It’s no secret that fundraising drives me up the wall. Seriously, I can’t stand it. Yet like any dedicated parent volunteer, I step up each year to help our schools amass funds for essential things like technology, field trips, and library resources. I’m out there selling overpriced candles, pies, and wrapping paper to friends and neighbors who are already feeling the pinch. I hound my relatives to buy cookies, nuts, and popcorn during Boy Scouts fundraisers. I may not do it with a smile or joy in my heart, but I do it for the greater good of our schools. And yes, I definitely roll my eyes when a chipper mom tells me I “only” need to sell 46 tins of stale chocolate pretzels to fund my kid’s camping trip.
Okay, fine, I’m exaggerating a bit there.
While I resent the constant need to beg for money under the guise of helping our school meet its financial goals, I recognize that fundraising is often a necessary supplement in many districts. These events serve a variety of purposes, not least of which is providing support for children whose families can’t cover costs like field trips and class activities. Fundraisers also help schools procure additional media, technology, and playground equipment that go beyond what a district’s budget can afford. They can even assist families in managing the costs of sports gear and league fees so kids can enjoy organized sports.
My frustration with fundraising isn’t about its necessity, though. It’s really about those parents who feel the need to raise funds for luxury items and extravagant events in well-off districts. In areas where high taxes and median incomes ensure competitive teacher salaries and well-maintained facilities, there are schools sending fourth-graders on trips in luxury coaches and doling out lavish gifts to volunteers for merely attending class parties.
And let’s not even begin to discuss how outlandish some of these fundraisers have become. Celebrity meet-and-greets? High-end silent auctions? Mattress sales? Yes, you heard that right—mattress sales.
I don’t know too many people who have the disposable income to invest in high-end mattresses just so kids can have six extra smartboards in their classrooms. And suggesting to a struggling family that they should sell mattresses to help cover school costs comes off as, well, a bit featherbrained.
When my kids were younger, I served on the elementary school board for several years and even held the position of PTA president. In our affluent district, I often found myself navigating the tension between parents who could easily write checks for extravagant school activities and those who were living paycheck to paycheck. I vividly remember a mother who tearfully called me to apologize because she couldn’t afford the $20 needed for yet another over-the-top class party. In that moment, I knew fundraising had truly jumped the shark.
Parents in affluent districts need to take a long, hard look at how their fundraising dollars are being allocated. You might be shocked to discover just how much that bounce house shaped like Hogwarts actually costs. And if you just rolled your eyes, I’m here to tell you that your privilege is showing.
If you’re part of a PTA that’s rolling out the red carpet for a school dance with a DJ costing thousands, I urge you to reassess your priorities. Kids are being left out—through no fault of their own. Sure, a luxury coach for a field trip may seem exciting, but these extravagances create barriers for families who depend on fundraisers to participate. Most fundraising companies only return about 10% to the individual selling (if that).
So when kids are expected to sell $30 candles for a field trip that costs $50 to $75, they’re forced to sell 16 to 25 candles just to hop on that bus. No child should experience the embarrassment of having to sell dozens of candles because affluent parents can’t reconsider lavish activities and pricey trips.
Every child deserves a chance to partake in school events, and no parent should feel ashamed for not being able to afford steep costs or lacking enough relatives to buy more unnecessary items. Fundraising has spiraled out of control. Most parents genuinely want to plan enjoyable school events, yet we’ve lost sight of the bigger picture. Kids don’t require luxury buses for a trip to the zoo when a regular school bus would allow every child to join without financial strain.
While I understand the competitive nature of fundraising among schools, sports teams, and scouts, can we agree to leave mattress selling to the professionals? And if you’re looking for more insights on related topics, check out this post on at-home insemination kits for those considering family planning options. For men looking for ways to enhance their fertility, this resource is also helpful. And if you need further information, the NHS offers excellent resources on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, fundraising needs a major overhaul. The goal should be ensuring every child can participate in school activities without placing undue burden on families.
Keyphrase: Fundraising gone wrong
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