Putting the Fun in Fundraiser

What could sound better to kids than ice cream and fun? Not much, according to the hundreds of kids, parents, and younger siblings who recently attended this year's ice cream social at Cape St. Claire Elementary School.

The school's PTO has the annual ice cream social event down pat. They managed to create a fun and exciting atmosphere that provided something for the whole family and also generated helpful funds that will be used to enrich school programs for the upcoming year.

"The ice cream social goes toward more than just school programs," said Principal Donna Pergerson. "The funds raised can secure new technology if we need it or even purchase a new item of playground equipment." 

In the lobby before the festivities began, the excitement was palpable. Enthusiastic children were already having fun, hanging with their friends and being very vocal about what they wanted to do that evening . There were face painters, tables set up for a restaurant raffle, and another table for grab bags.

In the cafeteria, PTO mom Kristie Alva, Food Chair for the event, made sure all the families in attendance had plenty to eat. Guests were invited to get in line to pick up dinner items like hot dogs or baked ziti and salad. The social began at 5:30 p.m. and went until 8:30 p.m., to be helpful for parents who were just getting home from work or for those who had small children and wanted to attend but get their kids asleep at a decent hour.

Volunteers were giving out small bowls of ice cream at tables directly outside of the lunch line doors. Each guest received a blank palate of vanilla ice cream which they could decorate with everything from chocolate syrup to gummi bears. 

Once everyone had full bellies and the sugar energy had kicked in, it was time to go to the library for the silent auction and fundraiser challenges. On top of the bookshelves, papers and signs were set up describing a fun activity with the teachers at Cape St. Claire. Parents could bid on that activity, which not only raised money but also allowed children to spend some quality time with their favorite teacher. Other guessing games and casino-style wheels were set up that challenged young minds and provided an opportunity for kids and their parents to work together.

Many of the kids opted to spend the majority of their time in the gym, where games were set up around the whole parameter, including Hamster Rumble, Bowling, Frog Bog, Bumper Car, Duck Pond, Lucky Roll, Magnetic Dart and many, many more. PTO moms Renee Rutledge and Alicia Parillo, this year's Games Co-Chairs, were responsible for the fun and entertainment throughout the evening.