Greenland school supporters think up ways to raise money
Posted on Wednesday, August 6, 2008
GREENLAND - A looseknit group of parents, school employees, residents, former school board members and other school supporters set plans Tuesday evening for three new fundraisers.
About 65 people attended the organizational meeting in the Greenland High School cafeteria. The fundraisers are intended to help raise money for the school to retire $ 621, 000 in loans due this year and cover a projected budget shortfall.
The district went under state control last month after being placed on the Arkansas Department of Education's fiscal distress list in April. Two fundraisers were held last month - an auction and yard sale on July 14 and another yard sale on July 26.
GHS counselor Mary Larkan said she would contact a Fayetteville restaurant about hosting a breakfast fundraiser at the establishment on Aug. 30, the last Saturday of the month.
The group also decided to have a cookout at the home football game on Sept. 12 and a community concert on Sept. 14.
Greenland graduate Billy Bryant said he is trying to recruit bands to perform at the concert.
Basketball coach Alan Barton said the scheduled events are a starting point on which to build. The group plans to hold another meeting on Aug. 26 to discuss the events.
"This just about has to be our life for a while," said Lee Larkan, the dean of students and athletic director at the high school.
Several suggestions were made for other fundraisers or some sort of large-scale event, but none were finalized on Tuesday. The idea of doing something in conjunction with Bikes, Blues & BBQ from Sept. 24-27 in Fayetteville was mentioned more than once.
Larkan said it may be possible to do some sort of poker run to benefit the Greenland schools.
"Bikers are known for their giving and donating dollars to charity," she said.
Barton said he knew someone who worked in the motorcycle business and would contact that person before the Aug. 26 meeting about the possibility of raffling off a motorcycle.
Mary Smith offered to go door to door asking for donations, saying some people might donate if approached personally but may not otherwise.
Participants also mentioned other ways the community could help the school before those fundraisers are held and others are scheduled.
Lisa Vaughn, whose husband owns Vaughn Recycling in Fayetteville, said the business has offered to donate to the school by forwarding payouts for recycled materials. People can choose to donate to the school district the money they would otherwise receive from recycled aluminum cans and other materials, she explained.
"The little stuff adds up," Vaughn said.
Larkan also said football fans should buy tickets for this season's first football game - an away game against West Fork - from the school instead of at the gate. Part of the proceeds from the tickets sold at the school will go to help the school's finances.
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