Press-Citizen covers 'Make a Mighty Difference' Campaign

Iowa City Press-Citizen reporter Rob Daniel interviewed Lucas Fundraising Chair Ben Hill for this recent article today (August 8, 2011) about our Make a Mighty Difference fundraising campaign, which kicked off August 1 and runs through October 10. Clear here to read the original story.

Lucas PTO raising $25,000 for books, technology

Parents and teachers at Lucas Elementary are hoping to raise $25,000 in a new fundraising campaign.

The campaign “Make a Mighty Difference” was launched on Aug. 1 and asks for contributions to help the school’s parent-teacher organization, or PTO, with buying new library books, technology for the classrooms and a new outdoor learning space.

Ben Hill, fundraising chairman for the Lucas PTO, said the campaign takes the place of sales-based fundraisers in which students sell everything from snacks to wrapping paper.

“Everyone got to the point of, ‘let’s do something else,’” he said.

Borrowing from similar campaigns used at other schools, including Longfellow Elementary, the fundraiser asks for families at the school and others to make a tax-deductible donation to the PTO. Hill said this is a more efficient way of raising money than the sales, which could see half of the money collected paying for overhead costs such as the merchandise.

“It’s easy to sell people on their kids’ education,” he said. “It’s hard to sell on a frozen croissant or whatever.”

With the money from the fundraiser, the PTO plans to buy supplies for classrooms, pay for field trips and special in-school events, and bring in more technology such as computers and Smart Boards, according to a news release. Parents also hope to build an outdoor learning space, possibly with a small structure where science classes could take place along with picnics and other activities.

By asking directly, Hill said he and other PTO leaders were confident families at Lucas and others would be more committed to the school.

“It’s not just about raising money, but about getting people excited and involved in their neighborhood school,” he said.