Special to The Democrat

NATCHEZ — Just in time for the holidays, Cathedral School is teaming up with Bass Pecan Company to offer even more pecan products than last year.

Not only will the Cathedral students sell natural and flavored pecans, but the famous Bass Pecan pies, candies, gift tins and special gift packages will be available during this sale. Cathedral expects to increase last year’s fundraising profits by 30 percent because of the additional products, and the online access to out-of-town relatives and friends.

“Most everyone uses the Internet today, and providing this option for friends and family to help support the school should help increase Cathedral’s sales,” said Lea Ann Ray, one of the parent organizers.

The Pecan Sale started last week and Cathedral School supporters can purchase pecans and pecan treats directly from Cathedral students by paying with a check or cash.

Bulk corporate orders can be placed in writing with forms provided by students, or by calling the Bass Pecan sales office and referencing the CHS2008 promotional code. Out-of-town relatives and friends can also enjoy online shopping at www.basspecan.com. Cathedral School receives a commission for all of these orders, when customers include the promotional code CHS2008 when ordering.

Each individual student selling two or more hand-written orders receives a uniform pass, and the students with the highest sales each week receive a $25 gift certificate from Bass Pecan Company to be redeemed at the new Bass Pecan store and coffee bar at 511 Main St. The overall class with the highest sales receives a pizza or ice cream party and each teacher of those winning classrooms also receives a Bass Pecan Pie.

All pecans ordered through the students will be delivered by the students during the second week in November — just in time for the holidays. A Bass Pecan pie voucher will substitute every pie order, which can be redeemed at the Bass Pecan retail store any time before Dec. 23.

While Friday morning, Oct. 24 is the last day for students to turn in written orders, Cathedral family and supporters can order online at www.basspecan.com from Oct. 6 until Nov. 1, and Cathedral School will receive a substantial commission for each order placed provided the customer uses the promo code: CHS2008 when paying for the order. All major credit cards are accepted online. All online orders are shipped directly to the address provided online and are not delivered by the students.

All of the profits of this fundraiser go toward the Cathedral Parent Organization’s efforts during the year, such as providing tuition supplements, bringing in guest speakers to the CPO meetings and providing refreshments, and printing a comprehensive student directory.