A group of Wareham students spent the last three months developing, selling, organizing, and advertising, and finally, they've had their Home Show.

Forty vendors filled the Wareham High School gym Saturday and Sunday as about 250 people made their way each day through the first annual DECA Home Show learning about and interacting with local businesses.

The event, which according to organizers will have raised just over $5,000, will benefit the Wareham chapter of the Distributive Educational Clubs of America, or DECA, a group at the high school that boasts nearly 200 members out of its 559 students.

"We're so proud of the kids. They really embraced the home show," said DECA Advisor Monice Maurice. "This is the first step in fostering a link between the local businesses and the community they serve."

President of the DECA Booster Club Kim Carman said he introduced the idea in September, having previously put past Home Shows together himself.

"I brought the idea to the table in and they ran with it," he said.

Maurice explained that the DECA students, who have a DECA class and an afterschool club, organized a list of area businesses and began making phone calls, sending e-mails and sometimes meeting in person, pitching the home show to these prospective vendors.

Senior Eoghen Neely said he met with the Wareham chapter of Business Networking International to spread the word and sell spots in the show to local businesspeople. Junior Kiah Heron said she went onto the radio on Frank 93.5 FM to advertise the show. Neely said he also learned a lot about rejection when numerous businesses backed out on him after committing to the show.

"What other high school course are you going to learn all this in?," said Maurice.

Proceeds from the event will pay for travel costs and expenses for students going to the national DECA competition, where students compete in different business disciplines giving case studies, performing mock interviews and taking written exams. To get to nationals, students must perform well enough against students from other schools at the district and then state level.

Last year Wareham sent four students to nationals, but this year they will be sending 24.

Vendors at the show ranged from home improvement businesses from across the South Coast to various local businesses like E.L. Morse Lumber, Eastern Bank, Rogers and Gray Insurance and others.

"It's all about helping the community" said Geoff Worrell of Wareham-based Franklin American Mortgage. "The DECA program gives kids an opportunity to excel."

Maurice said the show helps students learn every facet of event management and hopes the event can grow next year.

"Were thankful the businesses took a leap of faith with us and we hope they're satisfied," Maurice said.