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School Fundraising: Let’s Get Back to Basics
From bake sales to fun runs, and everything in between, school fundraising often feels like a chaotic whirlwind of planning, volunteers, and endless discussions about the “best” method. While these efforts require significant time and energy, they do come with rewards—if you can just make it to the finish line.
Here’s a little confession: I stumbled across a Facebook post about your nephew’s charming Lego Club gearing up for their annual trip to Brickland, and I’ll admit, I’m heading to SuperTarget instead. Yes, I might seem like a villain for not supporting their efforts, but had I not seen that public notice, I would have fallen right into their carefully crafted trap, happily tossing a dollar into their makeshift collection jug after being won over by their adorable smiles.
It’s a lose-lose situation. My car remains dirty, I miss out on a hand-crafted bracelet, and those eager kids miss out on an essential lesson about earning money—because there’s a significant difference between simply asking for it and truly earning it.
Our children are brilliant and full of potential, and it’s never too early to teach them the value of hard work. Is your band raising funds? How about offering to perform at community events? Is the drama club in need of costumes? Let those talented kids paint fences or garages. If your choir is competing, I’d love to see them outside the grocery store, showcasing their talent while collecting donations.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember brainstorming with classmates on how to fundraise for our senior trip. Growing up in upstate New York, a spring break trip to the ocean meant needing a hefty amount of funds to make that journey. I don’t recall anyone suggesting we simply sit with a bucket, waiting for donations.
In the ‘90s, fundraising involved first approaching our parents, who would have us earn our keep one quarter at a time by taking on extra chores. Next, we’d venture into the community, pitching in with tasks like raking leaves or washing cars. It was tough work, but doing it alongside friends made it enjoyable. We collaborated, earned together, and celebrated our success as a team—no tables or handouts required.
While parenting, teaching, and fundraising can be overwhelming, we can’t afford to treat these lessons lightly. Let’s get our hands dirty and stop teaching our kids that money comes easy. It’s not right. Our generation might have had its flaws, but we learned to appreciate the rewards of our hard work. When my senior class finally boarded that crowded bus to our two-star hotel in Virginia Beach, we truly valued the experience.
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In summary, school fundraising should be a path to teaching children the importance of effort and teamwork, rather than relying on quick fixes. By engaging them in meaningful ways to earn money, we can instill valuable lessons that will last a lifetime.