We're starting the Fundraising 101 series with the Walk-a-Thon. It is the sole PTO fundraiser that directly benefits the school. The money raised from this event pays for the transportation for class field trips and off-sets the cost of school assemblies, supplies for the school and makes the PTO events like Talent Show, Moms & Muffins, Dads & Donuts, Santa Shop, Grandparents & Goodies possible. In previous years, we have raised enough money to buy soccer nets, smart boards for every classroom, a sound system for the gymnasium, iPads, digital cameras and play ground equipment.
The 9th Annual Walk-A-Thon will take place on Friday, October 27 on the fields behind the elementary school.
Our goal for this year is to raise $12,000. And if we reach this goal, our principal, Mr. M., has agreed to spend the whole day on roller skates! (He is not very good on roller skates, by the way!)
FAQs
How is the money raised?
Your child should have brought home 10 address labels. As a family, identify the names and addresses of 10 friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives (even those who live far away). It is recommended that an adult neatly address the labels. Please keep the stapled top label in place so that we can distinguish the labels in each classroom. You are welcome to list more than 10.
These labels are to be returned to school by Wednesday, September 27. Once the labels are returned, your child will be given an opportunity in class to sign their name on the letters asking these individuals identified to sponsor them during the Walk-a-thon. (Click here to see a sample letter.) The letters will be addressed and mailed by the fundraising committee and the money will be returned to the school.
It is very important that you only list addresses of people with whom you have a relationship. The PTO provides the postage for these mailings and therefore would like to reach as many people as possible who would like to invest in the lives of your children. Also, please do not send to families who already have a child at East Hanover, as this means duplicate postage.
What does the money raised support?
All donations are appreciated and 100% of the donation goes to support East Hanover Elementary. The money provides funds for school field trips, assemblies, classroom supplies and materials, playground equipment and family fun events throughout the year.
Can I submit my labels electronically?
Yes! this year we are providing an electronic form found here. Please forward the completed form to EHWalkAThon@gmail.com and include your child/children's name as the subject. This ensures that we appropriately credit your child/children for the addresses. The electronic forms are due, Wednesday, September 27, as well.
What if we have more than 1 child at East Hanover?
For those families with more than one child at East Hanover, it is not necessary to submit 10 addresses for each child. Please submit 10 addresses
per family and each sibling will be credited the same.
When are addresses/labels due?
Whether you submit your addresses by returning the labels sent home with your child or forward the electronic form, names and addresses are due Wednesday, September 27.
How can I motivate my child?
Daily Prizes: Each time a family brings in their list of 10 names and addresses, each student in that family will receive a prize (a candy bar). 10 completed labels = 1 prize per student.
Lunch with Mr. M.: There will be a drawing from each class for a student to enjoy a pizza lunch with our wonderful principal, Mr. Messinger.
Top Leapers: The class with the most labels collected by Wednesday, September 27 will win:
- Grand Classroom Prize: An after school party with games and food!
- Second Place Prize: A pizza AND ice cream party with 30 extra minutes of recess!
- Third Place Prize: An ice cream party with 30 minutes of extra minutes of recess!
- Met Our Goal Prize: If we reach our school goal of $12,000 is met, we will have a school-wide celebration. Last year we met our goal and all enjoyed extra recess time together and eating lunch outside with our friends and teachers. PLUS, our beloved principal, Mr. M., will spend the whole day on roller skates!
Who are checks made payable to?
Checks are made payable to EHPTO.
How do I know which of my family/friends made a donation:
The PTO will notify families when a gift has come in, sponsoring their child.
What happens on event day?
Each class spends 20 minutes walking laps around the playground. The number of laps that each student completes is tracked to see if they met their goal.
Can family members attend?
Yes! We consider this a family event. Family members are invited to watch and encourage from the sidelines or even walk with your child. The actual times of walk will be distributed the week prior to the event so that you may plan accordingly. Younger children are also welcome to attend. We just ask that you provide supervision, as there will be many children on the playground that day.
Can I volunteer?
We would love your help. If you would like to volunteer your help with the planning or the day of the Walk-a-Thon, please contact co-chairs Jen Murphy: jmurph182@yahoo.com or Tara Rose: tararose426@gmail.com.
Check back next week when we talk about Silent Fundraising and how you can help raise money for the school with the purchases that you are already making. |