Alcott Elementary students, teachers and guests counted laps as they walked the path next to Hilmar Park during the PTA’s annual Walk-a-Thon on Sept. 16. The day-long event, which included a parent DJ for post-walk dance parties, is the association’s primary fundraiser every year.
"Alcott PTA's record-breaking fundraiser capped off a Spirit Week of shared goals, friendly competition and easy participation for all,” PTA president Molly Elston said.
With the help of sponsors, family contributions and lots of volunteers, Alcott families raised $15,572 — the highest Walk-a-Thon fundraising total in more than seven years.
Elston said the dollars raised will support classroom supplies, field trips for all grades, special learning activities such as dissection kits and school assemblies, as well as other items to enhance the learning and growing experience of all students.
The PTA solicited corporate sponsorships, collected pledged donations from families and friends, and arranged a coin wars competition that pitted each grade level against the others in a battle for an extra recess. The PTA also hosted Dollar Days throughout Spirit Week, when students could bring a small donation to school each day. Dollar Days also had fun themes like PJ Day and Popsicles on the Playground that all students took part in.
Walk-a-Thon chair Kristy Groger said they took a different route with this year's Walk-a-Thon, shifting to a grand prize that involved the whole school participating in a main event, Wacky Wednesday, which is scheduled for Oct. 12.
“We strived for inclusion, kindness and rewards for every student,” she said. “Our owl community showed up for the cause.”