When I was eight years old, I had a burning desire to play soccer. My mom promptly signed me up at our local recreation center. Just five dollars and a single permission slip later, I was officially part of the “Red Hots,” proudly donning my red T-shirt as I stepped onto the field. Back then, referees were just fellow parents volunteering their time, we brought our own water, and we played on a nearby school field. There was no obligatory “work bond” for parents, and fundraising was virtually nonexistent. I even got to keep my T-shirt at the end of the season.
My mother didn’t have to beg friends and neighbors to buy overpriced junk. Occasionally, there were fundraising efforts for a trip to the state championships, but they usually involved selling candy bars from a cardboard box. The only fundraising I remember from my childhood was collecting coins for UNICEF while trick-or-treating, helping children across the globe. There was no expectation for parents to regularly dip into their savings to provide extravagant experiences for us. Life was far simpler and much more affordable back then.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve been roped into selling coupon books, flashy wrapping paper, and candles. My kids have peddled cookie dough and pizza kits to unsuspecting family members. From candies to flowers, you name it, we’ve had to sell it to meet our schools’ and activities’ financial needs. I’ve organized car washes, collected clothing, dined at fast food chains for fundraisers, and even attended silent auctions. It’s a wonder my family still picks up the phone given the number of conversations that started with, “So, your nephew is selling [insert overpriced item that would hardly sell at clearance].”
Recently, we were asked to sell candles to fund a school trip. The trip would cost $75, and kids would receive a paltry 10% of the sales. Each candle was priced at $25, but they were smaller than the ones available in stores. Essentially, it was half a candle for double the price — quite the bargain! So, let me get this straight: I’m supposed to sell $750 worth of scented candles to fund a trip to a water park? That’s 30 candles at $25 each! Are you kidding me? I don’t even know 30 people, let alone anyone who needs enough candles to last a decade.
I understand the financial pressures on PTAs and the costs associated with school events. I’ve held the position of PTA president and know firsthand how much it takes to fund assemblies and dances. But must everything be so extravagant? Field trips now feel like mini-vacations with fancy buses and Wi-Fi. Class parties have become grand productions, complete with elaborate meals and crafts that rival those of Martha Stewart. It’s frustrating for families on tight budgets.
To be clear, I recognize that fundraising exists to help those who might not have extra funds. It’s vital to prevent kids from feeling excluded. However, why not focus on finding more affordable and inclusive activities that won’t strain our wallets? The class parties I remember involved simple games, a few cookies, and juice. There was no hocking overpriced chocolates or fancy pies.
And let’s not kid ourselves with the “It’s for the kids!” rhetoric. The majority of these extravagant events are orchestrated by well-meaning parents in the community. No one is forcing anyone to rent bounce houses or hire DJs with flashy light shows. Kids would be just as thrilled with a tray of brownies and an iPod filled with their favorite tunes. It seems to be the parents with too much time on their hands who perpetuate this “bigger is better” mindset.
Before anyone gets offended about my critique of your extravagant fundraising events (because, it’s for the kids!), I admit I’ve been part of the madness myself. I’ve solicited donations for school iPads, convinced businesses to contribute to fundraisers, and organized class parties with way too many sugary treats.
So, when will it all stop? We need to return to basics. Less truly is more, and it feels like parents today have forgotten that kids require very little to be happy. We have PTAs with operating budgets in the tens of thousands and sports associations with bank accounts larger than some families’ yearly incomes. It’s absurd, and what are we really trying to prove?
I, for one, am stepping off the fundraising treadmill. I hope other parents will join me in voicing their concerns to PTAs. This doesn’t mean I won’t support my kids’ activities; I’ll just be more selective about what I sell. Instead of pushing stale pies that end up in my trash can, I’ll ask for a clear breakdown of costs for trips and activities.
Oh, and if anyone happens to be selling those delicious chocolate-covered pretzels in a pretty tin, feel free to swing by!
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In summary, it’s time to rethink how we approach fundraising for our schools and activities. Returning to simpler, more affordable options could benefit families while still providing enjoyable experiences for children.