Fund raisers keep paying the way at schools

By Callie Chitwood ~ Southeast Missourian

Armed with a colorful brochure and a sparkling smile, 7-year-old Aldan Phillips goes door-to-door, visiting his neighbors' homes on Illinois Avenue in Cape Girardeau while trying to sell flower bulbs for Franklin Elementary.

The competition's stiff -- there are two other Franklin students who live on the same block as Aldan.

But like hundreds of other children in local school districts, Aldan has become quite an expert salesman through constant fund raisers for schools and other organizations.

Franklin Elementary, like many schools, depends on fund raisers for things not included in the school budget -- class trips, new playground equipment and updated technology.

Educators say school budgets allow for little more than essentials, so if students want to take part in activities and programs like class trips, Accelerated Reader and prom, it's up to them to earn the money. Most adults, recalling their own childhood sales attempts, feel obligated to purchase at least one item. And experts say children often don't know what they're supposed to gain from the experience.

"I know our community is overwhelmed by the amount of fund-raising that goes on," said Mark Ruark, assistant principal at Central High School in Cape Girardeau. "Not only do you have the high school and elementary schools in Cape Girardeau, but also the parochial schools who are completely dependent on fund-raising."

High school dealings

Fund raisers are most prominent in high schools, where extracurricular clubs and organizations demand outside assistance.

Ruark estimated Central High School fund raisers alone brought in about $15,000 last year. The school's clubs are required to fill out an approval form before beginning a fund raiser so that school administrators can ensure it's appropriate.

Although most school fund raisers are backing a good cause, schools' focus may be in the wrong place, said Dr. Martha Zlokovich, associate professor of psychology at Southeast Missouri State University.

Zlokovich, a Cape Girardeau School District parent and school-board member, said it is possible that students, especially those in elementary grades, might feel pressured into selling a certain quantity of products. Instead, fund raisers should be used as opportunities to teach children about helping out.

"Students are focusing more on what prize they will get if they sell a certain amount rather than what the fund raiser is actually for," Zlokovich said. "I'd like to see the schools be clearer on what they're raising money for."

'Necessary evil'

No matter how much children do or don't understand it, the practice isn't likely to end soon. Programs like the marching band at Central High School count on money generated from fund raisers.

"I would call fund raisers a necessary evil. We have a good budget from the school, but we have expenditures that go above and beyond that," said Central High School band director Neil Casey.

Casey said the band uses money gained from fund raising to pay for transportation and to purchase instruments and color guard materials. He said it also pays for supplemental staff, like a trumpet teacher for the pre-season band camp.

"We have to be careful about fund raisers so we don't exploit the students and don't harass the public. And the products we sell need to be quality products," Casey said.

For many high school students, already consumed by the demands of their academic, social and extra-curricular lives, fund raisers can be an added burden.

"It's a lot of work and it's time consuming," said Casey Alderson, a 10th-grader at Jackson High School.

As a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Alderson is involved in numerous fund raisers throughout the school year -- from candles and candy to flowers and doughnuts.

"We have to do a lot of fund-raising because it's our sole responsibility to raise $10,000 every year to send members to the national competition," said FBLA president Justin Gibbs, a junior at Jackson High School.

The students often spend their Saturdays asking community members and businesses to take part in fund raisers or make donations.

"Everybody's selling something. People get tired of that. I think kids get tired of it too," Gibbs said.

"The first two or three times people say no, the girls get their feelings hurt and the boys get mad," Gibbs said. "But then you realize some people just can't afford to give and you move on."

Jackson's FBLA supplements their sales campaigns with a variety of other fund raisers -- like a benefit auction, softball tournament and contests.

"With the variety of fund raisers we do, if you hate selling stuff, you have other outlets to help raise money," Gibbs said.

Prom tradition

At Central High School, the senior class is currently selling magazines subscriptions to raise money for prom. Ruark said that same fund raiser has been going on for at least 18 years, and it usually brings in around $8,000.

Central High School senior Lauren Parrent said she's involved in fund raisers for BETA club, National Honor Society and the senior class.

"Sometimes, you just get tired of asking people for money," Parrent said. "I've gotten used to rejection, although usually people are pretty supportive and will buy at least one thing."

Central Junior High's PTO will begin a fund raiser in October through Innisbrook Wraps -- a company that specializes in gift wrap, gourmet foods and novelty items.

In 2001, that same fund raiser generated $7,000 for the PTO, and they're hoping to pull in at least that amount again this year.

"Everyone needs Christmas paper, that's the way we look at it. Sure you can get it at Wal-Mart, but this way the kids get something out of it, so why not buy it from us," said Suzanne Vanderfeen, who helps organize PTO fund raisers at the junior high.

Vanderfeen said a portion of the money raised will go toward PTO-sponsored parties for students who exhibit good behavior and make the honor roll.

"This gives kids a chance to contribute and help out. They don't have to sell if they don't want to," Vanderfeen said.

Alma Schrader Elementary in Cape Girardeau holds a school-wide fund raiser every year through Choice Products USA, a company that sells frozen food products like pizza, cheesecake and cookie dough.

Last year, 400 students participated in the fund raiser, which netted $8,000 for the school's Accelerated Reader program, said Alma Schrader principal Ruth Ann Orr.

Alma Schrader students in kindergarten through 4th grade recently began this year's fund-raising campaign in hopes of raising more money for Accelerated Reader.

Six and 7-year-olds may seem a little young to participate in fund raisers, but Orr said the school does lay down some groundwork for the fund-raising.

"We do not encourage students to go door-to-door or to solicit to strangers," Orr said. Instead, students appeal to friends, family members and neighbors.

Eye on the prize

Most fund-raiser companies, like the one used at Alma Schrader, have an incentive system that allows students to obtain prizes based on the number of items they sell -- the more they sell, the better the prize.

That's what's in the back of Aldan Phillips' mind as he approaches friends, relatives and neighbors to purchase fund-raiser items.

"I try to sell enough so I can get a prize," Aldan said. "Last year during a fund raiser, I sold enough to get a giant stuffed bee."

cchitwood@semissourian.com

335-6611, ext. 128