School undertakes new fundraiser

West Madison Elementary’s PTA is trying something new this year.

They are hosting the first ever Fun Run fundraiser, Nov. 10, to benefit the association.

Students at the school will take donations for laps around the school’s track. Stacy Wolfe, Fun Run chairperson, said students can run or walk up to 12 laps (2 miles) around the track for pledges of any amount. Kickoff for the fundraiser will be Oct. 25. Wolfe said the PTA set a goal to collect $30,000, and teachers would keep 10 percent of total classroom sales. She also said flat donations are accepted.

“We definitely encourage friends and family,” said Wolfe, the creator of the event. “The tagline for the event is ‘a community working together 100 percent,’ and that’s what we plan to do. This is our only fundraiser for the entire year, so we definitely welcome community help.”

Prizes for raising money at certain increments will be given. Students who raise $30 will receive a t-shirt. The top three sellers will receive either an iPod Touch, a Nintendo DSi XL or a $75 gift card.

Wolfe said they have secured sponsors to help cut some of the costs the student would have to raise.

“We’ve had a great response from the community already,” she said. “And if we go above that $30,000, (Principal) Dr. (Daphne) Jah, has agreed to be hit in the face with pies from the top sellers. We look forward to our community coming together and raising the most we can for West Madison.”

Wolfe got the idea for this type of fundraiser from a friend in Athens who tried it with her school.

“It has turned into what it is now,” she said. “We’re excited to give it a try and see what it could do for our community. It’s a nice and different way to raise money.”