Fundraising. That dreaded word in the ear of every full-time, minivan-driving, worn-out mother of three. Memorial Elementary School took a much needed and unexpected turn from the traditional fundraiser this year though. They called it Steps 4 Success and instead of kids walking from door to door, elementary students walked round and round in a walk-a-thon.
"We decided that instead of asking our students to go out and sell merchandise this year, we wanted them to take a more active approach in their own fundraising and make sure they, themselves, were physically active," said Jennifer Watanapongse, Treasurer for Memorial's PTO.
A bunch of PTO and community members including Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andrew Melin, and Mayor Jon Costas were invited as well making this an event not only for the whole school but also for the community as well. Costas and Melin briefly spoke about the importance of physical exercise and staying fit, and then led the kids in a couple warm-ups before the walking commenced. With music blaring, sun shining, and enough people to pack a stadium, students were so excited to start walking that half of them at least started to run. Community members including the Valparaiso Police and Fire departments as well as the Valparaiso University Bowling team were lined up around the assigned walking path giving high five's to kids as they blew by.
"Everyone is just really excited about it," commented Nancy Crowley, President of the PTO at Memorial Elementary. " I'm loving how we brought the community in. I just think that's so important. I mean, we're the community's kids."
Besides all the fun that kids and parents had at the event, fundraising came into play by way of Memorial families sending out letters to local businesses that they were involved with in some way or another. Twelve gold level sponsors ($150 or more) decided to step up in sponsoring the event as well as numerous silver ($100) and bronze ($50) sponsors as well. No doubt, a huge response from community and business leaders was received showing that our community really does care about its kids. "Personally, I was thrilled that this fundraiser was about the kids having fun," said Crowley. "Look at these kids! They're having a blast."
Gold level sponsors included Porter Health System, Joe Casko-Ginter Realty, Inc., Tri-County Companies, Inc., Adams Masonry, the Steele Family, Valparaiso Family YMCA, Avalon Manor, Adonai's Academy of Martial Arts, Langer and Langer, Smiles by Arnold, Kohl's, and Magic Sports. Thanks to all those who contributed!
For more exciting photos, click here!