Thousands of people will be climbing aboard for Sacred Heart Academy’s debut of The Little Mermaid this year, premiering at the New Haven Shubert Theatre on Nov. 4 and 5. Each audience member will receive a booklet filled with numerous advertisements of local businesses collected by students during the two weeks of the Ad Campaign, which ended on Sept. 26 this year.

Every student is encouraged to sell at least $130 worth of advertisements, in hopes of reaching the total goal of $64,350. If the goal is met, then the entire school earns a day off. Unfortunately, this year’s total was only $60,781. All proceeds support the Sacred Heart community, including its activities and students. From the musical to scholarships, the money raised is utilized towards benefitting the school.

Part of Sacred Heart Academy’s mission is to provide as many girls as possible with an excelsior education. However, financial situations serve as an obstacle from achieving this. One in three girls attending this school requires some form of monetary aid. The Ad Campaign has been helping overcome this hindrance since 1948–two years after Sacred Heart Academy first opened in 1946. What began as a mere petite pamphlet has grown into a major source of promotion for many industries throughout Connecticut. The ad book also serves as a way for friends and relatives to express their support for the cast. Several businesses and families have been buying advertisements since the beginning for over 60 years now.

Unfortunately, only less than half of the student body participates in this event that benefits both local corporations and their school. In order to reach the school-wide goal and acquire a budget necessary for improvement, 100% participation is required. As Ariel (Madison Brenchak, Class of 2018) herself says, “The annual Ad Campaign is so important because not only does it create a sense of community, but also supports Sacred Heart Academy in ways we’ll never know. That’s the greatest part, being able to work collectively, striving ever higher, to reach our goal!”

The daily functioning of the school, air conditioning in the gym, and the coffee machines and microwaves in the cafeteria are just a few of the many things the ad campaign has funded. It is a project created by Sacred Heart Academy and for Sacred Heart Academy. The Ad Campaign builds up the school, while unifying the members of its community.