SPTC tries new fundraising approach

The Sisters Elementary School Parent-Teacher Community (SPTC) is trying something new to fundraise for activities at the school: an "Un-Fundraiser."

An un-fundraiser is a new trend happening throughout the country - simply a donation campaign. While the un-fundraiser for SPTC officially kicks off this week, donations will be accepted all year. The group has a goal of raising $6,000 by October 17, 2018.

"For years our school has relied on selling a product to raise funds for activities and support other needs," says SPTC Chair Erin Borla. "The environment has changed.Children no longer go door to door to sell wrapping paper or magazines to neighbors and family friends, so product sales rely on families making purchases. With that, only 30 to 50 percent of the funds raised go directly to the school. This new campaign allows for families and community members to make a flat donation, no purchase required, and 100 percent of the proceeds impact the school."

Borla said that SPTC is suggesting a donation of $20 per student, though any contribution is appreciated. Any family that donates over $100 will be listed as an SES Outlaw Donor on the SPTC website and on a banner in the commons. Families have the opportunity to contribute funds to help support a student who may not be able to participate - or to contribute to support a whole class. All donations are 100 percent tax-deductible and eligible for employee matching opportunities.

Funds which are raised through the un-fundraiser and community partnerships with groups like Sisters Kiwanis, Three Sisters Lions Club, The Sisters Schools Foundation and The Roundhouse Foundation help to provide teacher grants for classroom supplies and curriculum support, funding for family nights, running club and other school-wide activities throughout the year. Last school year, SPTC members and their families contributed over $10,000 plus many hundreds of volunteer hours to the elementary school.

SPTC is asking all parents and community members for their support and investment in our school and students. Families can invest in a variety of ways: by volunteering their time or donating to the SPTC to help raise funds for activities and projects.

"Whether families have 30 minutes or a few hours, their ideas, their time, their talents and their voice are all truly needed," said Borla.

Donate to the un-fundraiser by logging on to http://www.SistersPTC.com/unfundraiser or by writing a check to the Sisters Schools Foundation with SPTC in the memo line and dropping it off at the Sisters Elementary School (611 E. Cascade Ave.) during school hours.

For more information on the un-fundraiser or the Sisters Parent-Teacher Community at Sisters Elementary School visit http://www.SistersPTC.com or contact Erin Borla at 541-480-5994.