How do you fundraise for your child’s school?

 We have started a donations fund and ask for 100% participation of all families.  In addition we have a spring festival with games/small kiddie rides/silent auction and sell armbands.

It is amazing that we have to fundraise for our schools to get children what they need but we spend huge sums of taxpayers' dollars on exploration of Mars of revisiting the moon.  We have no REAL need for these expenses but we have school children without pencils and books.

Fundraising is the necessary evil of most schools in Los Angeles.  There is not a block of schools where I live that doesn't fundraise in one form or another and not just once a year, but 2, 4, or 5 times a year. 

I understand this is necessary, however, I am a house divided.

My husband, who I believe has a very valid point, says, "Why does my children have to go out, sell their soul, to make up for funds that our district should be covering?"  Which is a truth.  Our broken system is forcing children and their families to raise funds that should come from the district.

There are groups of parents forming as we speak, so that they can go out raise money, so that they can restore programs that have gone the by way.  Some parents are even going to the extreme and just throwing money at the problem, if that is truly the case, then I should just sign my children up for private school.

I on the otherhand, see fundraising a little differently.  I see it as, if it will enhance the overall experience of my childrens education, then I am willing to do so.  I do it so that my children are on equal footing, as say a private school, charter or magnet school.  All of which, fundraise.  I do it because I want more for them. 

I don't ever in my entire career in school ever fundraising this much.  Fundraising was only for the extras.  Like the big 5th grade trip, the 6th grade dance, etc.  Not so we could pay administrative staff or repair copy machines.

But the sad reality is until we stop cutting the budget for our schools, fundraising will never end and which is why we may pull our children out of public school in the coming year.

Debra, I couldn't agree with you more!

 I am Chairman of the Education Committee of the city of North Miami Beach, FL. Recently i had a meeting with a manager and corporate person of the local Denny's.  They presented our Committee and Chamber of Commerce with a program they call the Affinity program.  This program has two levels one for profit companies (20% off) and one not for profit (15% off w/ 5% Rebate) the cards are free and the given to the organization, members pass the cards out in their normal routines. To friends, family doctors, anyone. As people go out and eat they use the cards, in the case of non profit such as a High school, students can pass out the cards or use them for their own consumption. As the cards are used, the school organization will receive a rebate in the form of a check of 5% of all monthly sales.  Rebates for something people will do anyway, eat.  :) thats better than the 1-3% back from AMex and the like.