When I was a kid, joining the local soccer team was a breeze. My mom signed me up for a mere five bucks and a simple permission slip, and just like that, I was a proud member of the “Red Rockets,” donning my classic red T-shirt. The referees were volunteers, we brought our own water bottles, and we played on the school playground. No parent work bonds, no need to sell anything—just pure fun. And guess what? I got to keep my T-shirt when the season ended!
There was no pressure on my mom to pester friends and family to buy overpriced junk. Occasionally, teams would sell candy bars from a cardboard box to fund a trip, but that was about it. The only fundraising I recall was taking a UNICEF box while trick-or-treating to collect spare change for children in need abroad. Parents weren’t expected to empty their wallets for extravagant field trips or parties that could rival a Disney production. Life was simpler and much more affordable back then.
Fast forward to today, and fundraising has become a full-time job. I’ve sold coupon books, glittery wrapping paper, and candles—all in the name of supporting my kids’ extracurriculars. My children have hawked cookie dough and pizza kits to unsuspecting relatives. We’ve been through it all—candies, pies, flowers—you name it, we’ve sold it to help cover the costs of school activities. I’ve washed cars, collected clothes, dined at fast-food joints, and participated in silent auctions. We’ve drained our friends and family’s wallets “for the kids!” It’s a wonder they even pick up the phone when I start with, “So, your niece is selling [insert overpriced item that even a toddler wouldn’t want].”
Recently, my kid’s school asked us to sell candles for a trip that costs $75. Each candle was priced at $25, and while they came from a well-known brand, they were smaller than what you could buy at any store. So, to fund this waterpark adventure, I was expected to sell $750 worth of candles. That’s 30 candles! Are you kidding me? I don’t even know 30 people who would buy candles that cost twice as much as they would in a store.
I understand the need for fundraising. I’ve been the president managing PTA funds and know how much assemblies, dances, and field trips can add up. But why does everything have to be so extravagant? Field trips now feel like mini-vacations with fancy buses and Wi-Fi. Class parties are full-on productions with gourmet meals and crafts that would impress Martha Stewart. Everything seems to be ballooning in size and cost, and it’s overwhelming for families on a budget.
Sure, fundraising helps families who can’t afford the extras, but can we please focus on more affordable, inclusive activities? The class parties I remember involved simple games, a small cookie, and some juice. My mom didn’t have to sell chocolates or hoagies, thank you very much.
And spare me the “It’s for the kids!” rhetoric. Most of these extravagant events are planned by parents looking to outdo each other. Kids would be just as happy with brownies and a playlist than bounce houses and expensive DJs. But somehow, parents with too much time on their hands keep pushing “bigger is better.”
I admit I’m part of the problem. I’ve begged for donations for school tech, coaxed businesses into donating for fundraisers, and thrown parties with way too many sweets. But really, when will it end?
We need to get back to the basics. Less is more, and it seems parents have forgotten that kids don’t need much to be happy. PTAs have operating budgets in the thousands, while sports associations boast more cash than some families make in a year. It’s ridiculous, and I have to ask—what are we trying to prove?
I’m officially stepping off the fundraising treadmill and hope other parents will join me. That doesn’t mean I won’t support my kids, but I’ll be questioning the actual costs of activities and skipping the stale pies that end up in my trash bin. But if anyone has chocolate-covered pretzels for sale, do let me know!
In conclusion, we need to reevaluate fundraising efforts and focus on simpler, more inclusive approaches that prioritize fun over extravagance. It’s time to remember what truly matters in our children’s lives.
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