It’s no secret that I have a strong aversion to fundraising efforts. Yet, as a dedicated parent volunteer, I still do my part each year to support our schools in raising funds for essential items like technology, field trips, and library books. I sell overpriced candles, pies, and wrapping paper to my already cash-strapped neighbors. I pester my family to purchase cookies, nuts, and popcorn during Boy Scouts fundraising campaigns. While I may not do it with enthusiasm or joy, I join in to help support our schools. And I certainly don’t hide my frustration when an overly cheerful parent tells me that I “only” need to sell 46 tins of stale chocolate pretzels to fund my child’s camping trip.
The truth is, I really dislike having to beg for money to help our schools meet financial goals. However, I recognize that fundraisers are often essential for many districts. They serve multiple purposes, including aiding families who struggle to cover costs for things like field trips and class activities. They also help schools acquire additional media, technology, and playground equipment that go beyond what the district’s budget can accommodate. Plus, fundraising can alleviate the financial burden on families needing expensive sports equipment and league fees so that kids can enjoy organized sports.
My frustration with fundraising isn’t about its necessity. Instead, it stems from parents in affluent districts who believe extravagant fundraising is essential for luxuries and unnecessary events. In these districts, high taxes and median incomes ensure that schools can provide competitive teacher salaries, well-maintained facilities, and adequate staffing. Some schools even send fourth graders on field trips in luxury buses and reward volunteers with lavish gifts for simply attending class parties.
And don’t even get me started on the bizarre fundraising ideas that have emerged. Celebrity meet-and-greets, high-end silent auctions, and yes, mattress sales. Honestly, how many people can afford to splurge on fancy mattresses just to fund six more smartboards in a school? For families struggling financially, being told they need to sell mattresses to help cover school costs feels incredibly out of touch.
When my children were younger, I served on the board of our elementary school and even spent a year as PTA president. My district was predominantly comprised of affluent parents, and I often found myself in situations where suggestions for events and outings were met with hostility from those who were financially strained. I witnessed seemingly unaware affluent parents insisting on expensive gifts for teachers from the class, oblivious to the fact that not every parent could simply write a check for these extravagant activities.
The moment a mother called me, teary-eyed and apologetic because she couldn’t contribute $20 for an extravagant class party, I realized that fundraising and spending in the PTA had truly gone too far. Parents in wealthier districts must take a closer look at how their fundraising dollars are being utilized. You might be surprised to find out how much that bounce house shaped like Hogwarts really costs. If you’re rolling your eyes right now, it’s clear your privilege is showing.
If your PTA is rolling out a literal red carpet for a school dance complete with a DJ that costs thousands, it’s time to reassess your priorities. Kids are being left out through no fault of their own. While a luxury coach for a field trip might seem exciting, such extravagances create financial barriers for families relying on fundraising to cover costs. Most fundraising companies offer only a meager 10% back to the child selling the items.
If a child is expected to sell $30 candles for a field trip costing $50-$75, they’d have to sell 16-25 candles just to participate. No family should feel embarrassed or burdened by selling dozens of candles because affluent parents can’t reconsider lavish events and costly field trips. Every child deserves the chance to join in school activities and field trips without a parent feeling shame for not being able to afford steep costs or lacking family members to buy more items.
Fundraising, like many aspects of school life, has spiraled out of control. While most parents have good intentions when planning events, we seem to have lost sight of the bigger picture. Kids don’t need luxury buses to visit the zoo when a regular school bus would allow every child to attend with less financial strain. I understand that competition for fundraising dollars is tough between sports teams, schools, and scouting organizations, but we can surely leave mattress sales to the professionals.
For more insights on parenting and fundraising, check out this helpful resource or discover more about home insemination at Make A Mom. You can also visit the CDC’s pregnancy page for valuable information.
In summary, fundraising has become a contentious issue, especially in affluent districts where the focus has shifted from essential needs to extravagant desires. Parents need to reassess their priorities to ensure that every child can partake in school activities without financial strain.