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Moreland Arts and Health Sciences Magnet School is kicking off a different kind of fundraiser this month—school-wide service projects and acts of kindness. Instead of enlisting students to sell products like popcorn, the Moreland Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) is turning to Raise Craze, a fundraiser model built on kindness.
“Being an Arts and Health Science Magnet school we try to stay away from candy and food fundraisers,” Moreland Principal Mark Quinn said. “This new fundraiser aligns to our mission of doing something and moving more.”
Students will ask family, friends, and neighbors for donations through an online website while doing community service projects and acts of kindness.
“Small acts of kindness can mean big things for other people.”
Moreland Principal Mark Quinn
Goals of Fundraising and Community Impact
“We wanted to look for something new that felt more ‘on brand’ with Moreland’s mission/values as well as allowed us to keep more of what we worked so hard to bring in,” said Moreland PTA Vice President Lindsay Bjerke. “Raise Craze achieved both of those goals—spreading kindness and thoughtfulness is a big part of Moreland’s mission day-to-day and Raise Craze guarantees we take home more than 90% of what we bring in.”
They hope to raise $25,000 to help pay for the school’s residency programs, the community mural project, as well as the free events the PTA puts on throughout the year. The PTA also hopes to raise an additional $25,000 through business partnerships for the mural project.
“Both of these goals are a big stretch for Moreland, but we are an optimistic and motivated bunch,” said Bjerke.
Acts of Kindness
More than dollars, the Raise Craze events hope to have students make an impact on the community with a goal of 1,500 acts of kindness. There are a series of school-wide events, including a park clean up, family service night, and food drive.
“We will also teach students community services can be done in a variety of places and does not always have to be a big thing that takes a lot of time,” Quinn said. “Small acts of kindness can mean big things for other people.”
- May 9 – Chalk the Walk Raise Craze Kickoff Event
During the school day, students will go outside and create chalk art. That evening from 6 to 7:30, families and the community are invited for a “chalk walk” to see the art and make their own. They’ll also have a party by the playground with treats, kindness art projects, music, bubbles, and a registration table to help families set up student fundraising pages. (Read our recap of Chalk the Walk.) - May 16-20 – Cereal Drive
Moreland will collect cereal box donations to benefit Neighbors, Inc. and their 50th anniversary. At the end of the school day on May 20, students will gather in the hallways for a cereal box domino line through the school. - May 18 – Family Service Night
The school will host a family service night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to write thank you cards, make friendship bracelets and tissue paper flower bouquets, collect cereal boxes, decorate grocery bags for Oxendales, and clean up the school grounds. - May 21 – Clean up and Cook out Event
Moreland will partner with the City of West St. Paul and the Police Department for a clean up and cook out event at Marthaler Park starting at 11:30 a.m. - May 27 – Closing Celebration
If students reach the goal of 1,500 acts of kindness, they’ll have a recess playground party with bounce houses, freezies, music, activities, games, and more as a reward for hitting their kindness goals.
While the PTA is organizing these specific community service events, they hope students will be inspired to do service projects on their own and spread kindness throughout the community and beyond the month of May.
“I believe kids naturally like to help others but they do not always have the means or knowledge to do so,” Quinn said. “It is also a fundraiser that all students can participate in even if a family is not able to contribute.”
How to Donate
The Moreland PTA hopes the Raise Craze events can replace previous fundraisers and serve as the major fundraiser each year.
You can participate by attending any of the above events or donating online.
Local businesses interested in partnering can contact the Moreland PTA.
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