The Story of Merch Madness

At Children First/Communities In Schools (CF/CIS) of Buncombe County, we believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances. We work in local schools and communities to provide children with basic needs, academic support, and social-emotional resources so they can focus on learning and growing.

Many of the students we serve face significant barriers—poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, and the effects of trauma. And with the right support, they can thrive. This is why we’re launching Merch Madness—a fundraiser that not only celebrates the creativity of our students but also directly supports the programs that empower them to succeed.

This March Madness-style bracket puts student artwork in the spotlight, and YOU get to vote for the top-voted design by making a donation.

How It Works:

🎨 Donate to vote! Purchase a voting ticket to receive a password for the bracket.
🎨 Vote for your favorite artwork! Each round, the designs will go head-to-head on Woobox.
🎨 Win exclusive merch! Every donor will receive a special keepsake featuring the top-voted design:

$5 donation → Postcard of the final design
$15 donation → Magnet with the final design
$25 donation → Limited-edition t-shirt featuring the final design

Voting Schedule

🏆 Sweet 16 – Vote by March 28

🏆 Elite Eight – Vote by March 30

🏆 Final Four – Vote by April 5

🏆 Championship – Vote by April 7

The student with the top-voted artwork will receive a t-shirt featuring their design and a special art kit! All finalists will also receive small art kits to encourage their creativity.

Why It Matters

For many of the students we serve, art is more than just an activity—it’s an outlet for self-expression, confidence, and joy in the face of challenges. By participating in Merch Madness, you're doing more than voting on art—you’re investing in the future of local children.

Your donation helps fund essential services like:
📚 School-based Support Specialists who work directly with students on academics, attendance, or social-emotional skills
🥫 Family Resource Center that provides food, clothing, and emergency financial assistance
🎒 Afterschool Programs that offer tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment activities

Every vote you cast means more children receiving the support they need to overcome obstacles and build a brighter future.

👉 Get your voting ticket to cast your vote!

Together, we can help every child build a strong foundation for the future.

Merch Madness

By Children First/Communities in Schools

Merch Madness