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: 2714
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: 2714
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: 1874
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: 1874
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: 9241
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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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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09-15-10 11:08 AM - Post#118457
In response to Brewer
Maybe you can bring this up at your next PTA Meeting and have all of you questions answered. I am sure other parents would be interested in the information.
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shiraz
enthusiast
Posts: 593
Loc: allen, tx, usa
Reg: 05-23-02
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09-15-10 11:10 AM - Post#118458
In response to RRRquilter
Also, any anticipated boosterthon-related expenses should be listed on the PTA's monthly financial report, which is distributed at every general meeting.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-16-10 10:39 AM - Post#118489
In response to shiraz
Looks like my girls class took in about $25 a child and my sons took in about $36 a child. I think they could have done better selling just about anything. If anyone else wants to share class stats from a recent fun run it might be educational. Thanks
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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09-16-10 02:32 PM - Post#118497
In response to Brewer
A parent shared with me that when they found out about the split they rescinded the pledges that that had been secured. That class collected around $15 per child. Not much when you think of the damage to goodwill this campaign has likely caused for the upcoming years.
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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09-21-10 09:25 PM - Post#118746
In response to Brewer
If I didn't know what the split was and I found out now, I would have no problem rescinding any pledges and not collecting the money.
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: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-22-10 08:47 AM - Post#118750
In response to Brewer
Can we not just all get along and sell foam #1 fingers or Allen car flags (mine need to be replaced).
Fundraisers with slick brochures behind them are no better then hiring a outsourced call center to cold call all of America for your fundraiser. Except this is worse - it prostitutes the cuteness of our kids and promotes the badgering of parents, grandparent, relatives and friends into giving money overtly to the PTA while in reality it really just fills the pockets of the fundraising corporation.
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vrs
enthusiast
Posts: 2845
Loc: Allen, Texas
Reg: 04-20-00
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09-22-10 11:29 AM - Post#118760
In response to DrivinTooFast
If a kid comes by the house or a parent puts a brochure in the break room at work I just write a check directly to the organization, troop, whatever - assuming it is a cause I am happy to support.
The group gets 100% of my money and I don't have to worry about what to do with stuff I don't need or stress over whether the fundraiser is "legit" or well run. If we all did that, fundraisers would net at least twice as much and the organizations would only have to run half as many of them.
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-22-10 11:42 AM - Post#118761
In response to vrs
Totally agree, but Sally would not get her iPod. We have to take the corporations out of these inefficient fund raisers and get back to putting more money into the organizations that need the funds.
I feel like my kid is getting used for the profiteering of an outside company. If my kid does not participate, she is made to feel like an outsider.
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sco
enthusiast
Posts: 2714
Loc: allen,TX USA
Reg: 10-26-02
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09-22-10 11:58 AM - Post#118764
In response to DrivinTooFast
Many organizations have gone to a simple donation drive simply because of the problems associated with fundraisers. I think that is the way to go in most cases. I do still love my Girl Scout cookies so I really hope those don't go away  .
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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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09-22-10 11:59 AM - Post#118765
In response to DrivinTooFast
I hear that Kerr's funrun was a huge success on paper. Now they just need to collect all the monies.
Edited by RRRquilter on 09-22-10 11:59 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-22-10 12:01 PM - Post#118766
In response to sco
Don't get me started on GS Cookies.
You should be able to donate directly to your local GS troop. Period.
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-22-10 12:02 PM - Post#118767
In response to RRRquilter
I hear that Kerr's funrun was a huge success on paper. Now they just need to collect all the monies.
Please define success in gross receipts and net proceeds to Kerr.
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texmomma
enthusiast
Posts: 534
Reg: 10-02-06
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09-22-10 02:00 PM - Post#118777
In response to DrivinTooFast
I'm a Girl Scout mom. You're more than welcome to donate directly to a GS troop instead of buying the cookies. We have people every year who do that. Then the troop gets to keep all the money donated.
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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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09-22-10 04:42 PM - Post#118785
In response to DrivinTooFast
I was told that they exceeded the amount they had made as a goal by quite a bit.
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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09-23-10 08:01 AM - Post#118814
In response to texmomma
I'm a Girl Scout mom. You're more than welcome to donate directly to a GS troop instead of buying the cookies. We have people every year who do that. Then the troop gets to keep all the money donated.
I am glad to hear that - how do we make out the check?
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texmomma
enthusiast
Posts: 534
Reg: 10-02-06
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09-23-10 08:40 AM - Post#118821
In response to DrivinTooFast
The check should be made out to Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (or GSNET is fine); all checks are deposited by the troop into their account. The checks for cookies are supposed to be written the same way.
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TC2112
enthusiast
Posts: 805
Reg: 08-16-07
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09-23-10 09:18 AM - Post#118826
In response to DrivinTooFast
I feel like my kid is getting used for the profiteering of an outside company. If my kid does not participate, she is made to feel like an outsider.
The exact point I made last year to the Boon PTA. You would have thought I was speaking a foreign language.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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09-23-10 10:03 AM - Post#118832
In response to TC2112
Hopefully Booster Inc won't be back in town.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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newmommy
newbie
Posts: 2
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 03-29-04
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09-30-10 10:40 AM - Post#119124
In response to Brewer
I am a little late to this and I am usually a lurker, but since we are about to start up our Boosterthon at my school, I thought I would weigh in. Brewer, I am sorry that you did not get a direct response from your PTA President or Ways and Means VP. After reading your post, I re-iterated that if any such questions come our way during this process, that we need to be upfront and answer any questions the parents may have.
As for our Boosterthon, 52% of the proceeds will come directly into the PTA. The remaining 48% does go to Boosterthon, although it is not all profit for them. A chart that they gave us shows that 90% stays "on campus" meaning through the money spent on campus for promotion, etc. This would include things like the initial pep rally on the start day of the Boosterthon, a t-shirt for every child (regardless of if they get pledges or not), prizes in the classroom, etc. At our school, we did not have a fixed fee that is paid in addition to our percentage cut - we only have the 52% cut.
Given that Sally Foster (gift wrap, cookie dough) also only brings in 50% to the school, I don't think that Boosterthon is off the mark.
Since this will be our first year with Boosterthon, I don't have any experience on how the kids are made to feel about raising pledges. I can report back on that after it is complete. But, one thing we liked is that every child paritipates in the actual Fun Run and gets a shirt to do that.
Also, I heard that Kerr brought in significantly more than their other past fundraisers. But, that information will surely be presented at their next general meeting with full details on the proceeds and expenses to Boosterthon.
I hope this clears up some questions, and I hope that our fundraiser goes well! We have some exciting things that we would like to do to benefit the children at our school.
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Boogie
member
Posts: 73
Reg: 05-30-06
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10-22-10 05:28 AM - Post#120138
In response to newmommy
Brewer was that you speaking at the Green PTA meeting last night? If so I think you did a great job and hopefully some changes will be made because of what you had to say.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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10-22-10 05:24 PM - Post#120169
In response to Boogie
No, That was not me , My kiddos go to a different school. What was said? Thanks.B
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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Boogie
member
Posts: 73
Reg: 05-30-06
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10-24-10 02:09 PM - Post#120246
In response to Brewer
I assumed it was you because everything he said was basically what you have said in this thread LOL. We had more attendance than usual because they were doing a special event that night and he seemed to really open the eyes of a lot of the parents there.
The PTA seemed interested in what he had to say and wanted to work with him in the future for alternatives.
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Boogie
member
Posts: 73
Reg: 05-30-06
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02-16-11 11:16 PM - Post#126252
In response to Boogie
Well tonight my kid was crying because I refused to pledge whatever amount he needed to get some $5 rocket.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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02-17-11 10:28 PM - Post#126300
In response to Boogie
So another Allen school is really doing this? They don't learn.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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TC2112
enthusiast
Posts: 805
Reg: 08-16-07
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02-18-11 07:26 AM - Post#126308
In response to Boogie
So sad. Another year, another round of the Boosterthon rip-off and ostracizing of our kids.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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10-12-11 09:44 PM - Post#140707
In response to TC2112
It's back!! My son wants to help kids get a play ground for their school in Guatemala. IF your kid collects $300 Boosterthon will give a $1.00 donation towards the play ground. Just another way to tug at the heart strings of kids. I tried to explain at dinner that some people like money more than kids. My son told me to "Expose them!"
Good lesson for the kids at least.
ETA the HUGE $1.00 donation amount. Don't hurt yourselves there Booster INC.
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 10-13-11 04:25 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-23-13 12:28 PM - Post#158838
In response to Brewer
Just wanted to bring this topic up again, as my son's school - Chandler - is doing their second Boosterthon. I'm torn between raising parents' awareness that only half the money goes to the school and hoping that it brings in the money needed.
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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01-24-13 06:16 PM - Post#158865
In response to nicole926
If you think it is okay then say nothing. I think it sends a bad message to the kids and is a ripoff to anyone that pledges and thinks the kiddos are really running a LAP. The RipRun track is tiny so Grandma ends up paying much more than she bargained for and the school only gets half.
Sure, the money gets raised but at what cost to the trust of friends and family. My kids don't even ask for pledges and I have asked them if they would like to go to breakfast on RipRun morning so the school looses attendance money. So far they have just run the "laps" and had a good time with their buddies.
I wonder what the project will be this year, Maybe booster will give $1 for every three hundred raised to drill for water in Darfur?
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-25-13 12:31 PM - Post#158879
In response to Brewer
I actually did decide to speak up and do my part in asking questions and raising awareness. I've been emailing our PTA and principal to get info, and talking to all the parents I know to give them the facts. I went this morning to view one of the prize presentation/character lessons in my son's classroom and I have to say that it was better than last year's (which looked more like an Oprah prize giveaway than any kind of values lesson). Of course, the principal knew I was coming today and may have told the Boosterthon Rep to downplay the prizes more than they usually do.
I'm still not supporting the program and have explained to my kiddo why. I'm also telling everyone else who will listen just what the facts really are.
I just wish more parents would get involved... But that's a whole other conversation.. :)
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Brewer
enthusiast
Posts: 1421
Reg: 06-02-07
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01-25-13 02:24 PM - Post#158880
In response to nicole926
Good, All you can do is fight the good fight. See if you can find my link to the Texas PTA guidelines on fundraising. Funrun pretty much violates them all.
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.
-GEN George S. Patton
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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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01-25-13 07:04 PM - Post#158883
In response to Brewer
At the school my kids attend it has been the school, and not the PTA, that put on the Boosterthon Fun Run.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-25-13 08:00 PM - Post#158885
In response to RRRquilter
Our school is involved, the principal & vice principal made a video with the Boosterthon folks. But it's the PTA that votes on the fundraisers, I believe.
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Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 453
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
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01-26-13 10:26 PM - Post#158897
In response to nicole926
I can't speak for other schools but I can for Chandler. After several years of the "check writing" campaign and only collecting maybe $5,000 from the 700 students instead of the $35,000 which would have been from all parents paying their $50, this is the third year for the Boosterthon. The first year the Chandler share was almost $30,000. Like the new playground? How do you think the PTA paid for that? The second year we brought as much if not more. The money goes to field trips, special speaker fees and author visit fees, red ribbon week, and other school things. Yes, their share each year has been profitable but how else could we have raised that much? My daughter really enjoys it. If you go watch the rally or run you will see the kids enjoy it also.
Nicole... you are only partially correct about the PTA. The PTA chooses what fundraisers they want to pursue. However, it is then put to vote at the General Meeting. All members of the PTA vote on it. PTA members are parents and staff that pay the $6 membership fee.
Now the $2,000 fee. This is a deposit to book the team to come to the school. If you do not collect $2,000 then I believe you do not pay anything.
As for the guilting children into fundraising... according to my daughter they do not single out anyone for not participating. If they achieve a milestone they are presented the "prize" in front of the class. However... they never say "great job Sally... why are you working harder Billy?" I'm sure your local PTA will happily take your personal donation so your child opts out. How many of you complaining have actually donated in some fashion to the PTA?
If the PTA was not able to raise money then parents would be forced to pay the full amount for their kiddos field trips. Chandler PTA pays $7 per kid per field trip to offset parent costs. Someone previously mentioned that we are in a recession. That is exactly right. That is why fund raising needs to be done so those with the means can help those without.
Personally I will support the school anyway that I can. The run promotes fitness and classroom discussion promotes character.
Edited by Jeremy on 01-26-13 10:31 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-27-13 12:16 AM - Post#158898
In response to Jeremy
In my research, I was told that the first year's Boosterthon raised $24,000, minus the $2,000 fee. I have no doubt that this nice chunk of money is important and necessary. I love the new playground as much as anyone and I'm excited about the new outdoor classroom that's being planned. I just hate the idea of my kids becoming corporate pawns.
I've bought the school shirts, yearbook, supported (working & buying wristbands) for the carnival, done the Yogurtville/ Baskin Robbins/ Two Rows nights and whatever else is asked of us parents.
How hard would it be to host a real fun run, without the cheesy prizes -and advertise like crazy that 100% of the profits go to the school. We've got a pretty good group of volunteers and that would be something I would be proud to support.
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Jeremy
enthusiast
Posts: 453
Loc: Allen, Tx
Reg: 06-20-11
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01-27-13 11:20 PM - Post#158906
In response to nicole926
Believe me that you are the minority when it comes to supporting the school and you are very much appreciated. In 2010 we did try to hold our own fun run. It was a silent auction for gift baskets, fun run, and raffel. We made a couple thousand at most so it was not worth the effort. That is why that idea was abandoned.
The PTA is always looking for new PTA board members if you would like to look into a position this spring for the 2013-2014 school year.
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nicole926
newbie
Posts: 13
Reg: 07-25-11
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01-28-13 04:55 PM - Post#158916
In response to Jeremy
That's too bad that the 2010 event wasn't a big hit. I know that the carnival was a lot of work this year (and not a huge payout), but I think the first year of any event is going to be the hardest on the volunteers.
And I will be looking into playing a more active role in the PTA next school year. :)
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