SHOWELL – Organizers of Showell Elementary School’s Fall Festival are seeking sponsors to support the annual event.
For the first time this year, organizers are asking for local businesses to support the Fall Festival by sponsoring various games and events in exchange for marketing opportunities. It’s part of an effort to increase the success of the annual event, which is the PTA’s largest fundraiser.
“All the money we raise goes back to the school,” said Kate Hulme, treasurer of the PTA. “The Fall Festival provides a family fun event that will help give back to the school, teachers and staff that give so much to our kids.”
The Fall Festival is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family friendly event features games, hay rides, bounce houses, raffles and more. Hulme said organizers are currently seeking local businesses to sponsor the various activities. The sponsorships come with marketing opportunities based on the level of funding provided.
Hulme said that PTA leaders were hoping that the addition of sponsorships would help the Fall Festival bring in more money for the school. PTA members believe that with a more lucrative Fall Festival, they can eliminate some of the sales fundraisers held throughout the year.
“The sales are a lot of work for the kids and parents without much in return,” Hulme said, “as the school only gets a small percentage of sales. The Fall Festival raises money that goes straight to the school as most everything gets donated. In addition, it’s a great, fun activity for the kids. A total win-win.”
She said the PTA hoped to raise $35,000 this school year, with the festival and the PTA’s annual “ultimate fundraiser” (a straight donation drive), targeted to be the largest contributors to that goal.
Hulme said the money brought in by the 60-member PTA was critical to the school, as it supplemented the funding provided by the school system. Last year, the PTA was able to pay for student assemblies, a literary celebration and technology repairs, among other things.
“We see how hard the teachers work and we want to do what we can to support the cause and enrich our children’s education,” Hulme said.
The sponsorship deadline for this year’s Fall Festival is Oct. 14. For more information, email [email protected].
