Say "NO" to Boosterthon Fun Runs in our schools

[Lexi Spoon]

Boosterthon is a great way of teaching character and fitness. I think the people don't really cut down class time but for 5 minutes. So I think that Boosterthon is a reaaly cool way to show fitness amd character.

[TCnTN]

mom wrote:

Student in va,
Judging by your posts (poor grammer, punctuation, use of slang), you could benefit from some homework. I realize you are probably 11 years old... but it impacts your credibility. I little less Boosterthon and a lot more homework is what I suggest.

Mom, you misspelled grammar and u kno how that impacts on ur credibility.

[teacher]

The Boosterthon guys were just at our school and were hovering around like cockroaches with their "high fives" and "can you say....(fill in the blank)". The whole thing was disruptive, annoying and took away from alot of classroom time, all in the interest of money, money, money. The children were used as pawns and I found the whole thing disgusting and phoney.

[JMS]

The FunRun Boosterthon is at our school right now. I just don't understand it. I was so excited to see that our school was taking a "different approach" to fundraising this year and would not be selling the popcorn, wrapping paper, etc....they were going to do a fun run. That sounded great. Then I noticed the information for the FunRun Boosterthon and realized it is basically the same thing. The school would only be getting about 1/2 of the money donated. I would much rather write out a check for $35 to the school PTA at the beginning of the year than write out a check for $35 for the boosterthon and the school will only get $18. That is absolutely ridiculous. I am sure that if you ask families to donate money directly to the school in lieu of a fundraiser, you will get donations. Many parents would rather give more money to the school knowing it will be for the school ONLY, not some outside company making a profit. Sorry, I don't think this FunRun Boosterthon is a good thing.

[MomOfThree]

Yes, it is a fun Fundraising event and yes it encourages the kids to run and be healthy and all these great traits. The major problem I have with it is that NO WHERE does it say that about 1/2 the money goes to Boosterthon. I asked our school today and we pay them 49%.

When you make a cash donation to a school PTO/PTA, you assume they are keeping a reasonable amount of that money. When you buy a magazine or paper, you are getting something and it states about what percent of the money is going to the school (about the same as the Boosterthon). I have read the fine print and no where on my kids Boosterthon paperwork does it state that 1/2 the money is NOT going to the school. I feel this is fraudulent and misleading and they are teasing the kids with junk toys and promotions to make it happen. If you are going to do it, at least be honest about what you are doing. These are little kids that you are using and misleading the parents. Most of the parents don't know what is going on and would rather write a check straight the the PTO/PTA when I have talked to them about it.

[Boosterthon Rocks]

well this is a wesome fundrasier and i dont know why you guys disagree get a life its awesome

[Be Responsible America]

If "Many parents would rather give more money to the school," then go ahead and do it. The fact is that most parents do not give enough to their children's schools to make up the gap -- if they give any at all!
A 50% profit margin is a TREMENDOUS amount! If you don't understand that, you probably need to do a little more reading yourself. If you have a better idea then PLEASE share it so you can help schools across America!
In the meantime, GREAT JOB Boosterthon guys! You all are helping with more than just fundraising!
And as for student participation --- why not let them learn the value of hard work? We need more hard work and accountability in the USA! Education is not free! If you think the government pays for public schools, just look at your taxes and thank yourself. If you don't pay any taxes, thank your local hardworking neighbors!

[5th grade Student]

Boosterthon is HORRIBLE

[gwebber]

We are doing a boosterthon fun run at our school and we get to keep 100% of the pledges. I dont' know how but that's what the paper says. Last year it was different but this year the school keeps 100%. I am curious to know how that's possible but I am glad it is. It is alot of money but our kids go to a really good school and all the fundraisers are what help make it that way. It's alot cheaper than private school too!

[Ben Tilley]

mom of 2 wrote:

Attn Parents! Boosterthon Fun Run is the hot new fundraiser in our schools. You need to be aware that this company retains 48% of the profits in addition to taking up your child's class time. Protect your child's curriclum time and tell your school and PTA "NO" to Boosterthon! Fundraising activities should not take place during the school day. Save that for the weekend or after school.

Please write Lonnie Lee Owens 385452 nwcx lake county 1-6-2 960 state rt 212 tiptonville,tn 38079?

[vernon getzler]

Cathy Doggett wrote:

Not true. The Boosterthon folks have come to our school, and they do not retain 48% of "profit". The schools 52% is pure profit, and all expenses come out of Boosterthons portion--including salaries, prizes, printed materials, etc.
I would love an administrator or teacher from one of their schools to post something here, because at our school it was a huge hit! The kids loved the character traits taught, and classroom interruption was 5 min per day for 5 days! The school was so pumped and excited, someone suggested it would be worth these guys coming in even if they did not raise money! They turned our kids on to running and to education, and championed the school and teachers like no one else ever has.

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vernon getzler
[url=http://www.legalx.net]per sonal injury lawyer[/url]

[Dacula Mom]

I agree with Mom of 2. Atleast with cookie dough and or wrapping paper you get something tangible. I went to a Boosterthon event when my oldest was in 3rd grade. What was considered a lap was a JOKE (it was tiny) so he had to go collect $1-5 from our neighbors per lap! Her ran like 45, ridiculous! Now I have a kindergartner who is held captive to the "presentations" and comes home begging everyday, I'm over it. Bring back the wrapping paper Pucketts Mill!

[SAEmommy]

Stephanie wrote:

I deplore this fundraiser and have enjoyed reading the comments. My son came home last year all pumped up wanting to call every out of state relative, and every grandparent, uncle, etc. to ask for money. I was appalled and refused to allow him to do it, explaining that this was not good manners. Many of his relatives are on fixed incomes and now this year with the economy many are simply just struggling to get by. I feel that it is bad parenting on my part to allow my child to beg for money from relatives/friends who simply can't afford to but probably would anyway because it was my child that asked. I am calling my school this morning to find out what options I have to opt out without singling out my child unfairly. Has anyone had any experience with this?

You can send in a simple letter to you child's school telling them that your child does not have your permission to participate and that the school should find an alternative educational activity. A lot of the teachers really supported this and my kids spent extra time in the library reading. We simply donate directly to the school at another time.

[mom of 2]

gwebber - that is great news about what your school can keep. they seem like smart energetic guys...perhaps they have changed up their contract based on feedback.?? i bet your kids will have a fun time at the event.

[Great Scott]

We have one of these Boosterthons planned at our elementary (see www.alphajohnswell.com ). Now wondering if it is a good idea or not.

[confused mom of 4]

? Children schould not be used as part of the fundraiser? Who do you think is encouraged to sell overpriced wrapping paper from Sally Foster? The kids! And they also give out ridiculous prizes. I have four kids, I gave 10 per kid b/c that is all we can do right now. My only thought is spring is better, not 6 weeks before holidays. This is the first fundraiser, as a parent, I felt I needed to be involved in, thanks to my kids. I always try to give extra supplies, and we all know the schools have been hit the hardest with budget cuts. I wish I would say that I would have just given 40 to the school, but it would not have happened. It is just human nature. I get knocks on my door all the time to buy overprized cheesecakes and cookie dough. At least I get to decide how much we can donate and the kids are praised for any donations they make.

[097mnb]

Ben Tilley wrote:

<quoted text>
Please write Lonnie Lee Owens 385452 nwcx lake county 1-6-2 960 state rt 212 tiptonville,tn 38079?

ok

[Mary]

In the introductory letter describing Boosterthon at my school, they stated a goal of at least $250 per child. So your $40 was $960 short of your family goal. Don't you think that is just crazy? My kids were very upset with me becuase I wouldn't let them beg my neighbors for money... so they didn't reach their goal. I think this fundraiser is fine... as long as they don't manipulate the kids,EVERYONE knows the expectations AND the unadvertised fact that the Boosterthon Corporation keeps half of all money collected.

confused mom of 4 wrote:

? Children schould not be used as part of the fundraiser? Who do you think is encouraged to sell overpriced wrapping paper from Sally Foster? The kids! And they also give out ridiculous prizes. I have four kids, I gave 10 per kid b/c that is all we can do right now. My only thought is spring is better, not 6 weeks before holidays. This is the first fundraiser, as a parent, I felt I needed to be involved in, thanks to my kids. I always try to give extra supplies, and we all know the schools have been hit the hardest with budget cuts. I wish I would say that I would have just given 40 to the school, but it would not have happened. It is just human nature. I get knocks on my door all the time to buy overprized cheesecakes and cookie dough. At least I get to decide how much we can donate and the kids are praised for any donations they make.

[ruth]

my daughter is the pto fundraising chairperson and thought boosterthon was fabulous...no pressure on the staff, the kids loved it, and if a child feels pressure to raise money no one says they have to participate...it is an excellent way to make a lot of cash with little effort on the school's part...they made over $16,000 with this one event...she recommended it to me...i hate those cookie dough, horrible little trinkets, or over priced wrapping paper...try it...all you have to lose is money and gobbs of it...it was great according to her...and she knows...this is her second year as the fundraising chairperson at her elementary school...if you don't like it, then don't do it again but we are tired of the candy grams for a dollar that raise little money...it can't hurt only bring in loads of cash for a one shot deal

[Boosterthon Raving Fan]

FYI - Boosterthon does not require students to participate. Of course, their motivaiton is highly contagious and most students who hear and see them want to participate. But as for a requirement, that is most likely a stipulation of your school. We used Boosterthon this fall and not all students participated b/c our school only asks those willing and able to participate. No one held a gun to anyone's head. For those who detest having to participate in this fundraiser - make sure you are laying blame on the right party.

Stephanie wrote:

I deplore this fundraiser and have enjoyed reading the comments. My son came home last year all pumped up wanting to call every out of state relative, and every grandparent, uncle, etc. to ask for money. I was appalled and refused to allow him to do it, explaining that this was not good manners. Many of his relatives are on fixed incomes and now this year with the economy many are simply just struggling to get by. I feel that it is bad parenting on my part to allow my child to beg for money from relatives/friends who simply can't afford to but probably would anyway because it was my child that asked. I am calling my school this morning to find out what options I have to opt out without singling out my child unfairly. Has anyone had any experience with this?