Let’s be honest: I’m not a fan of fundraising. Not even a little bit. Yet, like any dedicated parent volunteer, I dutifully contribute every year to help our schools gather the necessary funds for technology, field trips, and library resources. I find myself hawking overpriced candles, pies, and wrapping paper to my already financially stretched neighbors. I annoy my relatives to purchase cookies, nuts, and popcorn during the Boy Scouts’ fundraising initiatives. I may not do it cheerfully or with a warm heart, but I step up for the cause and help raise money for our schools. And I definitely don’t hide my eye rolls when an overly chipper mom informs me that I “only” need to sell 46 tins of stale chocolate pretzels to fund my child’s scout camping trip.
Okay, I might be fibbing a bit about that last part.
While I absolutely despise the need to beg for money in the name of supporting our school’s financial goals, I understand that fundraisers play a crucial role in many districts. They serve various purposes, particularly in assisting children whose families can’t afford expenses for field trips and other educational activities. Fundraisers also help schools acquire additional media, technology, and playground equipment that go beyond what district budgets can provide. Moreover, they enable families to lessen the burden of expensive sports gear and league fees, allowing kids to engage in organized sports.
However, my frustration with fundraising doesn’t stem from its necessity. Rather, it arises from parents who feel compelled to fundraise for luxuries and extravagant events for their children in affluent districts. In areas where high taxes and median incomes allow schools to offer competitive teacher salaries, well-maintained facilities, and adequate staffing, it’s hard to justify the need for excessive fundraising. Some districts even send fourth-graders on field trips in luxury coaches and reward volunteers with lavish gifts just for attending class parties.
And don’t get me started on the outrageous nature of some fundraisers. Celebrity meet-and-greets? High-end silent auctions? Mattress sales? Yes, you read that right—mattress sales.
Honestly, how many people have the disposable income to shell out for a high-end mattress just so some kids can have six more smartboards in their classrooms? And for families struggling to make ends meet, suggesting they sell mattresses to help cover school costs comes across as a bit tone-deaf, to say the least.
When my kids were younger, I served on our elementary school board for several years and even held the position of PTA president. Because my district is predominantly made up of affluent families, I often found myself facing situations where ideas for parties and field trips sparked outrage among parents who were barely scraping by. I observed wealthy parents who didn’t seem to understand that not every family can simply write a check for extravagant school activities, insisting instead on costly teacher gifts from the class.
When I received a tearful call from a mother apologizing because she couldn’t afford to send in $20 for yet another extravagant class party proposed by a room parent, it hit me: PTA spending and fundraising had officially gone too far.
Parents in affluent districts need to take a serious look at how their fundraising dollars are being utilized. You might be shocked to discover just how much that bounce house shaped like Hogwarts really costs. If you found yourself rolling your eyes at that comment, let me be clear: your privilege is showing.
If you’re part of a PTA throwing out a literal red carpet for a school dance complete with a DJ costing thousands, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities. I can assure you that some kids are being left out, through no fault of their own.
Sure, a luxury coach makes a field trip seem more thrilling for the kids, but such extravagance complicates matters for families relying on fundraisers to participate. Most fundraising companies only return about 10% to the child selling (if that).
If a kid has to sell $30 candles for a field trip costing $50–75, they’d need to sell 16–25 candles just to participate. No family should endure the embarrassment of having to sell a mountain of candles because affluent parents can’t reconsider lavish activities and pricey field trips.
Every child should have the opportunity to engage in school events and field trips, and no parent should feel ashamed for not being able to afford steep costs or lacking enough family members to buy more stuff.
Fundraising, like many aspects of life, has spiraled out of control. Most parents have the best intentions when organizing school events and trips, yet it seems we’ve lost sight of the bigger picture. Kids don’t need luxury buses to visit the zoo when a standard school bus would allow every child to attend without imposing a financial strain.
While I recognize that competition for fundraising dollars is intense among sports teams, schools, and scouting, it’s high time we left mattress sales to the professionals.
For more insights, check out this post on home insemination kits, or for a tasty treat, explore these easy flourless chocolate donuts that are a breeze to whip up. If you’re looking for more information on managing infertility, this resource is excellent.
In summary, it’s crucial for parents to reassess how fundraising is being conducted, particularly in affluent districts. It’s time to shift the focus from extravagant events to inclusive opportunities that allow all children to participate without financial strain.