BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD, Insider Editor
When the West End Elementary School Parent/Teacher Association decided the PTA should run its own fundraiser this year, there was no question that it would meet its goal. PTA Vice President Penny Haywood spearheaded the endeavor in an effort that would earn her the nickname “Peppy Penny.”
The PTA exceeded its initial goal of $40,000 by $7,400, more than enough to put long-planned playground improvements in motion.
PTA President Melissa Osterbur credits the success of the campaign to the energy and determination of the planning team, led by Haywood, and including Thomas and Holly McDow; Cristy Dean; Tierra Sauls; and Drew and Chelsea Painter.
In previous years the PTA outsourced the fundraising to Boosterthon, an outside organization that worked like a one-stop shop. Osterbur acknowledges that it was wonderful to have the independent fundraiser take care of all the details. But because they provide all the fundraising services, they also take some of the profits.
“We felt like we have such a strong PTA and such strong parental involvement that we could do this on our own,” Osterbur says. “And that allows 100 percent of the money raised to stay at the school.”
They dubbed the new fundraiser the “Warrior Challenge” in recognition of the school mascot. Students were encouraged to meet different levels of individual goals.
The first donation raised by each student earned them the opportunity to pick a mystery prize. The top three fundraisers were recognized with special prizes. Top fundraiser and student Ryan Thompson chose to be principal for the day for his prize.
Classrooms could also earn rewards as they met different goals such as extra recess, a bounce-house party, Kona ice treats or a movie and popcorn.
“The committee did a really nice job of making the rewards obtainable, number one; and then just fun,” said Osterbur.
The PTA built in the cost of the rewards. “Fortunately the PTA budgeted for all of the prizes so we didn’t have to take money out of what was raised,”’ Haywood said.
Students solicited pledges from patrons for a commitment of 30 minutes of activity. On the day of the Warrior Challenge, students could pick between a variety of activities. “We painted a large rectangle on the playground. And they ran, skipped or galloped along the sides. At each corner we had a different activity for them: jump rope, skip-its, dancing to Kidz Bop, and hula hoop. They could stay at whatever corner they wanted or they could run the whole time,” says Haywood.
Osterbur appreciated how inclusive the event was.
“It gave everybody of all ability levels a chance to participate,” she says. “I thought that was really creative. And it was great to see some of our kids in the exceptional child classes who were able to come out and enjoy the music and to participate.”
Peppy Penny and her team provided the hype and motivation for the school.
“We did a pep rally halfway through where we showed the kids on a big screen in the gym and all the different prizes they could get. Weston the Warrior, our mascot, was there. And Peppy Penny got them riled up,” recalls Osterbur.
In the week leading up to the final Warrior Challenge on Friday, April 29, Haywood kicked things up a notch.
“On that Wednesday we were only at 35,000,” she says. “I said, ‘Guys we gotta hit our mark.’ I just knew our community could do it. I did a Connect-Ed call and said if we hit 37,500 or 38,500 by the next morning, I would get a pie in the face.”
When $4000 came in overnight, she made another call and this time she offered up school principal Shaun Krencicki to also get pied.
The WEE families and community exceeded expectations.
Photo Contributed/Melissa Osterbur.
“I’m not going to lie to you. When they hit that $40,000 mark, I cried,” Osterbur said. “This is incredible. We have such an awesome community that wants to support our kids. And to hit that mark and go over it was incredible.
Krencicki speaks proudly of the PTA’s effort.
“In coordination with the PTA, we made a goal to improve our playground at the end of last year. We felt this was a great way to bring the community together after a challenging year with the pandemic the previous year. By having the fundraiser be designed and implemented by the parents, we felt this would be the best way to have an event that wasn’t intrusive or pushy,” Krencicki said. “Our parents knocked it out of the park. The whole process was smooth, and we raised more money than ever before. West End Elementary School’s PTA represents the way all schools and PTAs should work together.”
The PTA picks projects in coordination with the administration that meet the needs of the whole student body. The school has been considering upgrading the playground for some time. Some of the playground equipment will remain, but tired or broken equipment will be removed. Krencicki and his staff consulted with a group of fourth and fifth graders to get their input as well as parents before making the final decisions about the changes.
Osterbur has nothing but words of gratitude for the entire community.
“I want to give a huge ‘thank you’ not only to our parents and families but the community members who donated. It just says a lot about the Seven Lakes/West End Community that they care about their local community school. The support was overwhelming.” Haywood agrees: “We couldn’t have done it without our families and our community. It would not have been as successful without the parents helping the kids get the donations and the pledges.”
As soon as school lets out for the summer, the improvements will begin, starting with grading the steep hill that leads to the play equipment. When the students return in August, the new equipment they selected is expected to be ready and waiting for them.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at (910) 693-2496 or Maggie@thepilot.com.
