Classroom Saved!
Efforts that began soon after the Thief River Falls School District announced intended budget cuts last fall, have paid off in a big way for Challenger Elementary. The loss of a classroom a the elementary school in Thief River Falls prompted a grass-roots effort to raise $70,000 to fund a teacher and supplies for one class, for one year. The 3rd grade was chosen. Fundraising efforts started with the sale of laser engraved tumblers, then later water bottles, key chains, and other student designed items. Students of all graders were invested, participating in packaging, making flyers, writing thank you notes, etc.
According to a news release from fundraising organizers –
Our goal has been officially reached! We have raised $70,196, and when the Domino’s fundraiser check comes next week, our total will be $72,388+ as we are still filling orders. We received a very generous donation of $5000 from Cenex Harvest States, and another $1000 donation from a retired district administrator to put us over the top.
- According to the MN IRS representative that was contacted, we have to pay 6.875% sales tax on every dollar raised beyond $20K.
- We will use all extra dollars raised to buy more supplies such as engravables and 3D filament that will allow us to continue to create products to sell to help our students, schools, and community with specific purposes. We will also purchase necessary replacement parts and other technologies to keep our tools running smoothly. Our engraver and filtration system has been running non-stop for 3 months, and we want it to last for a very long time. The Ed Foundation has been great to us, but we have the ability to generate some of our own funds.
- There are opportunities based on the connections we have made to continue to put kids in authentic learning situations that motivate them to succeed and make a difference. We do not want to stop because these skills and mindsets can last a lifetime.
