Community and family involvement plays a huge part in any fundraising attempt, especially school fundraisers. Centertown Elementary is blessed with a very supportive community, and a group of parents and family members that supply extensive support.
They recently held their annual Fall Festival at the school, with hundreds of supporters flocking to the school to take part in the event.
Principal Pam Cowan realizes how blessed the school is to have such involvement.
“We had a great turnout, despite the uncertain weather, and the fact other things were going on in the area,” said Cowan.
She estimated the effort raised a gross amount of $25,000, and is uncertain how the funds will be used. She did convey additional playground equipment is in the future. Students and faculty had received monetary donations prior to the event totaling almost $13,000. Featured items included an xBox, a Troybilt pressure washer, Newtown Meat Market gift certificate and Beats head phones.
Children of all ages enjoyed various games displayed throughout the school, everything from face and hair painting to carnival games, to a pumpkin roll game and animal balloon making.
The evening started with a delicious Prater’s Barbecue meal served in the cafeteria. Parents and visitors took time to enjoy the meal, as their children cruised from one game to another. A cake walk was held in the gymnasium, with folks delighted with their prize.
Following the closing of the games, everyone gathered in the gymnasium for the auction. Many interesting items were on the auction block. Many of the items were made by the individual classes, and more were donated by individuals and businesses in the community.
“We have so many folks that donate items each year,” said Cowan. “They are very generous and we appreciate them so much. Our students outdid themselves this year with their creative items. We are also blessed to have the donated services of Paul Holder Realty for conducting our auction each year.”
One particular item was a barn quilt square, painted by sixth-grade students. The red, black and white square was personalized with a CES emblem and was purchased by a proud grandparent for a whopping $210.
To close the evening, the eighth-grade students presented a very entertaining program. Staff assists the students in talent selections, and this year they utilized an animal theme. Every song presented had something to do with animals, with a background and decorations further conveying the theme.
“It’s their night, and their parents and family come to see them, so we let them all participate in some way,” said Cowan. “All in all, it’s a very good night for everyone, including the community.”