Why does the PTA conduct fundraising activities?
Our PTA is an independent non-profit organization with a mission to
enhance and support the educational programs and environment at Challenger.
The PTA conducts a variety of fundraisers to finance these programs.
Where does my money go?
Challenger PTA funds over $40,000 in programs,
equipment, classroom supplies, and services each year that benefit our
students. Some of the programs include “Science to Go,”
after-school enrichment classes (e.g., Science Adventures, Ready Set
Art, and Spanish), and Eager Reader. Events include the Science Fair,
Festival of Cultures, author visits, and special guest assemblies.
What fundraisers can I expect this year?
Pass the Hat is the primary fundraiser during the
school year. These funds finance the PTA’s operating budget. Our
children deserve an excellent education. State government simply does
not provide for all the needs of our students. The future belongs to
our children ONLY if they are properly prepared, so parents are called
upon to step into the gap and provide those enrichment programs that
will motivate our children to excel.
The Why of Giving
Corporate Matching Gift Program -
Does your employer participate in a matching gift program? If so, please
help the PTA benefit from your matching program. Simply ask your Human Resources
department for information, fill out the proper authorization forms and
return them to Challenger PTA's treasurer. If you prepare your matching gift
form online, please remember to specifically designate “Challenger PTA” or
“Issaquah Challenger PTA” as the recipient organization.
Below are links to the corporate matching forms for a few companies:
Microsoft
Boeing
What is passive fundraising?
Challenger’s passive fundraisers are usually done through shopping,
clipping labels, or supporting local businesses. Local businesses donate
a percentage of your purchase (usually 1 to 3%) to Challenger when you
register with them. Below is a list of passive fundraising opportunities
that benefit Challenger PTA:
GoodSearch.com– On your PC Internet browser, set GoodSearch.com as your home page. Select “Challenger PTA” (once) as the charity and every time you use this search engine, the PTA earns money. There is also a shopping link, “GoodShop,” on that same page with internet coupons and discounts. A percentage of your purchases goes to Challenger PTA.
ESCRIP.com - Choose the Pacific Northwest Region to see local merchants like Safeway and Eddie Bauer. Register any one or all of your existing grocery loyalty, debit and credit cards for use in the program. Participating merchants will make contributions to your chosen group, based on purchases made by you using the cards you have registered. Your purchases are tracked and available to you online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning on your child's behalf!
OneCause.com - Sign up for a free account at OneCause.com and select “Challenger PTA” as your cause. Anytime you shop on-line by first logging on to OneCause.com, a percentage of your purchases will go to our PTA. Hundreds of on-line merchants can be found on OneCause.com including travel websites. You'll also find coupons and deals for these merchants. Contributing to our PTA is easy with OneCause.com.
Recycle Inkjet Cartridges/HP Laser Cartridges & Cell Phones - Send them to school and the Computer Lab earns money, plus you help the Earth!
Popcorn Fridays - Don’t forget your quarter (or three Box Tops) each Friday for the students’ favorite fundraiser!
General Mills "Box Tops for Education" - General Mills products have a coupon on the "tops" of their cereal. Look for them on General Mills cereals, Gogurt, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, and a variety of other products. Clip the box top coupon and turn them in to the Box Tops receptacle in the school atrium. The PTA gets money for each label we submit.
Collect Campbell's Soup Labels Clip and save UPCs and caps from participating Labels for Education brands. Look for the Campbell's logo on other products as well, i.e. Prego, Franco American, Swanson Broth, Pepperidge Farm, and V-8. These can be redeemed for classroom maps, books, and learning materials. Click on the link for more details about participating brands and detailed instructions on how to clip the redeeming proofs.
H&R BLOCK is teaming up with Challenger PTA to help you at income tax time. Challenger parents can save $25 (using this H&R Block coupon) on tax preparation services. AND if you mention that you are a Challenger parent or friend, Challenger PTA receives $25! Contact Maya Andreic for more information on this passive fundraiser.
Albertson's Community Partners Program - Combine your Albertson's Community Partners Card with your Preferred Savings Card, designate Challenger as your preferred school and Challenger will receive a percentage from grocery purchases. For more details go to Albertsons.com and find the 'In the Community' link.
Target - Sign up for a Target credit card and designate Challenger Elementary School. Every time you use the Target credit card, Challenger will be given up to 1% donation on whatever you spend.
Office Depot - Shop at Office Depot during their "Back to School" program. Buy qualifying supplies, and then designate Challenger as the school you would like to receive 5% of your qualifying purchase. Office Depot will award Challenger 5% of the qualifying purchase in credits the school can use for FREE SUPPLIES!
For more information on any of these fundraising activities, contact Maya Andreic or Karen Moulton via PTA email or phone line.



