FUN FOR A CAUSE—Friends Lovelyn Richards, Callie Patrick and Jennifer Sageman have fun at the Crestwood Rockin’ Walkin’ Pregame Bash.
As a new twist to school PTA fundraisers, the students at Crestwood Elementary participated in the school’s first Rockin’ Walkin’ Pregame Bash at North Rockford Middle School on October 2. Over $14,000 was raised by the students through pledges they received and food and activity fees.
“The Crestwood PTA wanted to try a different approach to fundraising this year,” according to organizer Lorrie Haney. “Our goal was to have only one fundraiser for the school, to make it fun, and to have all the proceeds go to Crestwood. A walk-a-thon seemed the perfect solution.”
Each grade took a turn at walking around the gym track for 20 minutes. The Rockford Ram mascot was on hand to encourage the students in their efforts. Walkers were also greeted by cheers from a group of junior cheerleaders from Crestwood, and emcee for the evening was fourth-grade teacher Mr. Fowle.
TARGETS—Dodgeball defenders Mr. Karel, Mr. Hoogerland and Mr. Tucker gear up to compete against students.
While waiting for their turn to walk, students enjoyed the carnival-type atmosphere by playing in bounce houses, participating in face-painting and tattoos, and enjoying fun foods. A highlight of the night was a massive game of dodgeball with the students against fifth-grade teacher Mr. Karel, gym teacher Mr. Tucker, and school principal Mr. Hoogerland.
“The Crestwood families are so supportive and involved with the school, and the support from the Crestwood staff is amazing,” said Haney. “We walked and celebrated our success at the Rockin’ Walkin’ Pregame Bash. The fundraiser turned out to be very fun and successful.”
GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN—Sean McLellan and Mason Parker enjoy a snack while waiting their turn to walk.
TAKING TURNS—Fourth-grade walkers (l–r) Zoe Anderson, Molly Robert, Michael Robert, Wendell Lanphear and Danny Froumis take their turn around the gym.
Congratulations! This is a great idea for a elementary school fundraising effort. Other schools looking for ways to fundraise might want to look into Adopt-A-Classroom which is a national charity that’s helped to raise over $11 million on behalf of teachers since 1998. Members of the community can sponsor a school or adopt a classroom and 100% of the donation is passed through to the teacher.