Trike-a-thon Raises Funds for Alameda in Farmington Hills

Students at ' got to bring their favorite riding toys to school this week for a special fundraising event.

The Trike-A-Thon is the PTA's big annual fundraiser, said Jaime Pohlman, president of the organization. Parents collect donations to benefit the school, and the children get a participation ribbon and some exercise as they ride laps around the gym for about 20 minutes.

"It's a win-win for everybody," Pohlman said.

More than 350 children age 2 to 5 participated during the two-day event. The children were encouraged to decorate their rides. Principal Nancy Ely said that well over 70 percent of parents had donated by the end of the week, and contributions will be accepted through Oct. 10. The money is used for school activities and supplies used in the classroom.

Nearly 200 Alameda parents are members of their school's PTA, which last year won an award for increasing its membership by 25 percent.

"For a preschool, that's pretty amazing. We have such support from our parents," Ely said. "Current research tells us parental involvement in their children's education is one of the highest indicators of children entering kindergarten ready to learn."

The 15 top fundraising families are awarded prizes from , , Lil Kickers, , , , the Detroit Science Center, The Henry Ford, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Emagine Theatre, Phoenix Theater, Little Caesars, Ice Cream Etc., Pizza Hut and . A random drawing will also be held for prizes from , Balance Fitness, Scrappy Chic, , and .