Last year, Ames High students waged a "Cold War on Poverty." This year, they are again taking up the challenge with "Winter Madness," a reference to NCAA basketball’s March Madness. Both of these fundraisers, held by the Ames High Student Council, raise money for MICA, an organization that gives food to families in need and helps families in need by getting presents for families that do not have the means buy them on their own. "Winter Madness is … the name of the week before winter break," said Student Council co-president Seth Forsgren. "We raise money for underprivileged kids and buy presents for them for Christmas…Ames is sort of good at basketball and we were able to make a cool logo." Every year, activities are included during the week that go along with the theme and this year is no exception. "We included basketball related events like the student vs. staff basketball game and the Waukegan game is on Thursday," Forsgren said. Though all of the events of the week are shaping up to be fun, Forsgren has a special few that he is excited for. "Student vs. staff basketball is really cool and hasn’t been done in a while. [I’m] also looking forward to the ESPN game." On Saturday, Battle of the Bands rocked the Ames High auditorium. Several big names were on stage that evening, including Devour the Plague, Leo Bird, The WEB Band, Strawberry Tree and Super Robot Baby. Devour the Plague rocked hardcore with Ames High’s own Jacob Philips. Leo Bird played a great mix of guitar and piano. For 30 minutes, The WEB Band gave the audience a taste of their musical prowess. Bringing their own brand of chill to the stage, Strawberry Tree brought a welcome change from the other bands. Finishing the show with their signature synth-dance music, Super Robot Baby brought the crowd from their seats with a giant dance party. The Asian Date Auction, which took place in between bands’ sets, raised $275, and the ticket sales raised an estimated $200. The fundraising spirit, started by the Battle of the Bands, will continue through the week to help raise money in this holiday season. Sat., Dec. 12 – Battle of the Bands, date Auction Mon., Dec. 14 – Art Show Tues., Dec. 15 – Basketball Staff vs Students Wed., Dec. 16 – Pancake Breakfast Thurs., Dec. 17 – Ames vs Waukegan Basketball game Fri., Dec. 18 – Ames vs Ft. Dodge game, game show over lunch Throughout the week – Change drive