Beth Bedwell, President of the West End Elementary School’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), helped to raise funds for the school by having plaques made for local sponsors.
While cleaning out the PTA shed on the school’s campus, Beth came across what appeared to be a blank plywood plaque.
The plaque sparked an idea to have a fundraiser to gain corporate sponsors since budget cuts had been made for the school and the PTA was asked to raise extra funds.
Nearly one year ago, Beth had letters sent out to businesses local to Seven Lakes. Businesses had the opportunity to donate $1, $2, or $3 for each of the 180 days of the school year.
First Bank was the first to be a sponsor.
The Seven Lakes Prescription Shoppe was the highest sponsor, giving $1 for every flu shot between September and November last year at a total of over $1,000.
“We raised close to $6,000,” Beth said.
In fact, with the help of the businesses, the PTA raised over $10,000 for the 2017-2018 school year. Each sponsor will have its company sign on a plaque that will be featured at events.
The funds will go towards installing a sensory water bottle fountain in each of the classroom buildings in addition to the gym.
Plans are also underway to install tinted film on the classroom windows so individuals cannot see into the classrooms.
Funds will also be used to cleanup and add mulch to the playground to keep it up to code.
“We’re going to try to get all the changes done over the summer,” Beth said.
Once the school has made the upgrades, the PTA will reimburse them.
“I want to thank all of our sponsors,” Beth said. “Hoping to do it again, will show plaque at all of our events.”
The PTA is always looking for sponsors and volunteers. Beth Bedwell will continue to be the PTA President throughout the 2018-2019 school year.
For more information or to sponsor the PTA, call (910) 309-0788 or email babs62202@aol.com.
The West End Elementary PTA would like to thank the following sponsors for their contributions.
Gold Corporate Sponsors include the following:
- First Bank
- Seven Lakes Prescription Shoppe
- Seven Lakes Family Dentistry
- Moore Pediatric Therapy Services
- Pine Apparel, Inc.
- Tracy’s Carpet
- McDonald’s in Seven Lakes
- Beverly Gentry – RE/MAX
Silver Corporate Sponsors include the following:
- Sandhills Pediatrics, Inc.
- The Stites Team – Keller Williams
Bronze Corporate Sponsors include the following:
- John Mark Griffies Orthodontics
- Carolina Car Care