Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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08-27-10 09:08 AM - Post#117389
I have become aware of a program being offered to the AISD elementary schools,the "Boosterthon Fun Run" is billed as a pledge driven event that allows parents, friends and family members to pledge a dollar amount for a distance walked.
While it appears much like the MS walk on the surface at least, the company running it takes almost HALF the money collected BY THE CHILDREN for itself. This is directly counter to the National PTA policy.
During the weeks leading up to the "event" BOOSTERS from the company have access to your children and there is pressure to bring in more and more pledges. I have spoken with parents and players from the soccer team that told me they ply the biggest fundraisers with junk toys to keep the kids interested and instigate jealousy. I don't think this teaches a valuable lesson to the children and it appears to violate the national guidelines as laid out by the PTA.
Boone and Greene took part in Boosterthon last year and Kerr is on track for this year. I was told that the BOOSTERS also talk to the kids about "values".
I like to teach values at home so I know just what is being taught. The PTA should not be the arbiters of anyone's values to begin with. I hope the boosters are not talking about an honest days work for an honest days pay...
The National PTA policy DOES NOT clearly state ..... children should not be used as fundraisers and children should not take part in fundraising activities. THIS WAS ANOTHER STATE'S PTA GUIDELINE I READ AND MISTAKENLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE NATIONAL PTA's BYLAWS.
PTA policy states that: A PTA renders a greater service by working to secure adequate funding for programs that have an enduring benefit than by purchasing equipment for schools.
I'd like to point out that Sally Foster for example clearly states their percentage split on marketing materials and their website. Sally Foster is an optional fundraiser.
A four person team of parents could operate a real pledge driven walk/run with a 98% pass through rate and give three REAL prizes for the top fundraisers and not a bunch of plastic junk.
I did speak to a rep from the Texas PTA in Austin this afternoon and she said there are only GUIDELINES for most things and few hard and fast rules.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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SAS
enthusiast
Posts: 230
Reg: 10-09-02
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08-27-10 10:32 AM - Post#117396
In response to Brewer
This is a quandary that most PTAs are faced with: how much to fundraise, how much to involve the children (many times the direct beneficiaries of PTA fundraising), and determine what kind of fundraisers / incentives to pursue. For every cookie dough fundraiser, many PTAs present an option to include a 'healthy' fundraiser to provide fitness & family time together (another PTA goal). Having said that, there are many companies out there who are more than willing to 'manage' a healthy fundraiser for kids, many times at a substantial profit. If you are a school PTA member, you are certainly within your rights to express your concerns to the PTA in question about the companies managing the fundraisers, and ask to be on the fundraising committees vetting the vendors. I do agree that these types of 'thons' can be managed internally, but it takes parent volunteers to step up, suggest it, and manage it.
I would also like to add that I'm not associated with any of the school PTAs mentioned. Having said that, I do know that some school PE departments have a 'jump rope' a thon (I believe) in the spring to raise funds. There is also Allen ISD Eagle Run, which benefits the participating schools/PTAs, and is not a mileage-type 'thon', but a participation fun run fundraiser.
Edited by SAS on 08-27-10 10:44 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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TC2112
enthusiast
Posts: 805
Reg: 08-16-07
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08-27-10 11:17 AM - Post#117402
In response to Brewer
This really pinpoints the issue I have with Boon PTA. The kids are coerced into taking part, and in my opinion, made to feel bad if they aren't contributing like their peers. On top of that, Boon offers the 'Boonster' program, where you can donate a certain amount at the beginning of the year (I believe $250 minimum) and be exempt from fundraising. But that doesn't stop them from including your kids in all the fundraising propaganda, and we the parents are stuck trying to explain to our kids why they're not out selling like the others.
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Rabbit
member
Posts: 93
Reg: 09-13-09
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08-27-10 12:59 PM - Post#117409
In response to Brewer
You said that the National PTA policy clearly states children should not be used as fundraisers and children should not take part in fundraising activities.
Did you bring that to the attention of the school PTA board? What did they say?
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sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2715
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
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08-27-10 02:58 PM - Post#117420
In response to Rabbit
Brewer, could you please provide a link to the national PTA policy you are referring to?
I've been reasonably involved in the PTA through the years and I have never heard that children cannot be involved in fund raising. They are asked not to sell door to door.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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08-27-10 03:40 PM - Post#117425
In response to sco
SCO...
The National PTA policy DOES NOT clearly state ..... children should not be used as fundraisers and children should not take part in fundraising activities. THIS WAS ANOTHER STATE'S PTA GUIDELINE I READ AND MISTAKENLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE NATIONAL PTA's BYLAWS
I did speak to a rep from the Texas PTA in Austin this afternoon and she said there are only GUIDELINES for most things and few hard and fast rules.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Edited by Brewer on 08-27-10 03:42 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2715
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
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08-27-10 04:06 PM - Post#117429
In response to Brewer
Thanks for the correction. I understand your frustration. I have no knowledge of these particular schools but in my experience participation is never required in any fundraiser. I would think you could also ask that your child not attend the rally as well. If you have a better idea I would go to the executive board, suggest it and offer to head it up.
Edited by sco on 08-27-10 04:11 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-07-10 09:38 AM - Post#118066
In response to sco
Well, One of my first graders want to raise enough money to get the "Flip Video Camcorder". If you raise $40 a lap and ran 30 laps you would raise $1,200 and get the $100 camcorder. That would entail signing up FORTY people at $30 per. Are these people aware that there is a RECESSION in progress. If you raise $90 you get a "Neon Glowball" which looks very much like a cheap Nerf knockoff. Sixty clams gets your kid a "Bungee Rocket" which looks perfect for putting an eye out.
There is no listing for the famed "BAG O' GLASS" or "CAN O' RUSTY NAILS" though.
Can't wait till my kids come home and tell me about how the cool kids got some Silly Bands that spell out LAUNCH for signing up their first SUCKER, I mean prospect. They do it in front of the other kids for maxiumum effect.
Remember that the school only gets 52% of what the minions raise!
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Edited by Brewer on 09-07-10 09:55 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1878
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-07-10 09:58 AM - Post#118067
In response to Brewer
Nothing short of Prostitution of Youth. Not to mention the real winner in this is the FUNRUN organization NOT the schools.
What's funrun's cut?? 70%, 80%??
I would much rather cut a check to the school directly (4 to 5 times more effective than a proferssional fundraiser) or have the kids sell foam eagles #1 fingers and keep 80% of the profits.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-09-10 08:03 AM - Post#118177
In response to DrivinTooFast
DTF, The Foam fingers are a great idea!!
UPDATE of sorts. I have found that some schools are required to pay a $2,000 fee to the Booster folks before they will start the program. That means the first $2,000 in pledges goes right to the company. I have asked the PTA President if that is the case at our school I have not gotten an answer yet.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-09-10 10:13 PM - Post#118207
In response to Brewer
Well, they are not answering any more of my questions including the one regarding the possibility of a $2,000 buy-in.If you solicit questions and then don't answer the hard ones it makes me wonder....
I guess I'll call the company over the next couple of days and ask them directly.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-10-10 01:37 PM - Post#118237
In response to Brewer
Well, I went to the link below to ask the company about the $2,000 ante. 20:1 I never hear back.
http://boosterthon.com/contact
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1878
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-10-10 02:00 PM - Post#118241
In response to Brewer
Go away boy, you are botherin' my gravy train!!
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-10-10 02:43 PM - Post#118244
In response to DrivinTooFast
Sho thing boss!
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Edited by Brewer on 09-10-10 10:10 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9248
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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09-10-10 03:07 PM - Post#118246
In response to Brewer
The only way I support the PTA's at any of my boy's schools is to donate directly to that PTA. If any fundraiser stuff comes home, it gets tossed in the recycle bin.
It really is a shame that your PTA does not at least respond to your questions.
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TC2112
enthusiast
Posts: 805
Reg: 08-16-07
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09-11-10 07:18 AM - Post#118280
In response to denisew
I do the same thing, denisew. I donate directly and ignore fundraisers. But that doesn't stop the PTA from making my kids feel ostracized in class.
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SAS
enthusiast
Posts: 230
Reg: 10-09-02
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09-11-10 11:25 AM - Post#118289
In response to TC2112
There are a few websites that mention the Boosterthon fundraising; the consensus seems mixed. YMMV. http://www.ptotoday.com/boards/17-fundraising /1490...
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-11-10 08:46 PM - Post#118303
In response to SAS
http://www.txpta.org/documents/PTA%20Resou rces/Lit...
Criteria for PTA Fundraising
• Be carried on within the framework of
National and Texas PTA policies. Conform
to the practices outlined in the National PTA
section explaining the noncommercial
policy.
• Not be undertaken by a PTA if it is
detrimental to character building
• Make children’s roles be either a natural
outgrowth of regular schoolwork or a
constructive leisure-time activity.
• Not allow children to be exploited or used as
fundraisers.
• Create good will for the PTA.
• Funds must be raised ethically •
Top Ten Things to Remember When
Fundraising
1. Have a specific goal for each fundraiser,
regularly remind yourself and your
volunteers of that goal, and promote it to the
community.
2. Assign an organized person to serve as
Fundraising Chairman.
3. If you are using a fundraising company,
know the company or check out references
and have a written contract.
4. Select a program with a good service
package that fits your needs.
5. Make sure the product you’re selling
represents a good value at a fair price.
6. Look for fundraising activities that have
educational value and promote community
involvement.
7. Delegate and involve as many volunteers as
possible.
8. Keep it short. People lose interest in long
projects.
9. Don’t overdo it. Remember, kids are in
school to learn and parents can only afford
so much. Also, remember the children must
never be placed in a position of risk.
10. Have fun. It’s got to be fun!
Still no answer on the issue of the possible $2,000 commitment fee that I have heard about.
Would a PTA have to answer a FOIA/TOMA request?
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Edited by Brewer on 09-11-10 09:07 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-14-10 03:42 PM - Post#118428
In response to Brewer
I have asked the PTA Ways and Means person as well as the PTA president AND Booster Inc. (three times) about the $2,000 comittment fee and I have heard nothing. If it was me and there was no such fee I would answer the question just to save any further mis-understanding. B
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-15-10 09:27 AM - Post#118455
In response to Brewer
Just found out the morning of the event that there IS a commitment fee that the PTA had to pay. Still don't know how much it is but according to Bret, a Boosterthon rep. "the schools make exponentially more than the fee". We shall see.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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