Dawg Walk funds from students and businesses
BY DANI TIETZ
dani@mahometnews.com
Mahomet, Ill. – Students at Middletown, Sangamon and Lincoln Trail Elementary raised approximately $73,000 during the Mahomet-Seymour PTO 2014 Dawg Walk fundraiser.
Students will walk in the 2014 Dawg Walk during the school day on Friday.
Through creative thinking by MS-PTO board members Cindy Essex and Doug Starks, the Dawg Walk cost less this year through in-kind donations from businesses. In recent years, the event has been budgeted at $18,000. This year the PTO will pay $9,000.
Every student who raised money received a Dawg Walk wristband this year. 993 of the 1304 students raised money. Students who raised $50 or more received a white, tye dye splash t-shirt. Other tiered prizes were awarded to students.
Essex cut back on the t-shirt cost by choosing a different design this year. She also received in-kind donations for the DJ at the end of the walk, water, popsicles and the party for students who raise $200 or more.
“We’re working hard with businesses to get deals,” PTO President Penny Moisson said. “We’re cutting our costs way back.”
Through forming partnerships with businesses, the student directory, which would cost $2900 was discounted to $1400.
Overall, the PTO has approximately $8,600 in business donations and discounts.
Moisson said with one fundraiser each year, money usually comes in solely during the Dawg Walk time. She believes with the addition of business donations, they will trickle in all year.
Some businesses wanted to help the PTO raise money, but will sponsor events throughout the year. One business has donated pizzas incentives to the Sangamon Reading Initiative. Another business is interested in providing a movie night for the schools.
While the PTO budgets for every possible expense throughout the school year, Moisson said there is always money leftover at the end of the year, which is reallocated into the schools.
As PTO President, Moisson’s mission, along with the new PTO board is to work with parents, teachers and administration to responsibly spend PTO money towards building, teacher and student needs.
