Kids' Tricky Tray Raises Funds for Berkley PTO

On Friday, Feb. 4, Berkley Street School had its Second Annual Kids’ Tricky Tray which raised $1,750 for the Berkley PTO. The event was packed with 113 children attending and it was held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

Ann Papay, Berkley parent and event chairperson, brought the idea of the Kids’ Tricky Tray to Berkley last year after attending one at her son’s nursery school. “I thought it was a great idea for a fundraiser because it relies on donations, so the cost for the PTO to run it is minimal,” said Papay.

Upon arrival, each child was given a number to be written on all of his or her tickets. Kids, moms and dads circulated the long table in the center of the gym that was covered with toys, books, games, gift cards, etc. As children decided on the prizes they hoped to win, they dropped a ticket in the appropriate jar.

Meanwhile, Papay and other parent volunteers led children in games for which the prizes were tickets or giveaways. Tables were strewn with coloring pages and Valentine activities that kids could have fun with throughout the night. Refreshments were donated by Berkley parents.

At 8:15 p.m., the fun really began as the drawings commenced and prizes were given out to winners. One ticket was pulled from each bucket revealing the number of the winner. Each child had a sign with his or her number on it to hold up if he or she had the winning number. Papay drew the winning ticket as Kristin Becker, PTO President announced the number. Alicia McMahon, PTO Vice President, displayed the gift for everyone to see and distributed it to its winner along with the help of some high school volunteers.  

A total of 130 items were donated by the Berkley School community for the tricky tray. These included gifts such as puzzles, board games and books. Some toys were Barbie dolls, a wooden dollhouse set, and even a Nintendo DSI, which ignited huge excitement

”The teamwork between the community and the tricky tray committee made this such a success,” remarked Papay. “The response was overwhelming and showed how much everyone truly wants to help the kids, because ultimately, all the money raised goes to the children through PTO sponsored events.”

Upcoming Berkley Events...

• Friday, Feb. 18 is a half day for students and a professional Day for teachers and staff. 
• Monday, Feb. 21 and Tuesday, Feb. 22 school is closed for Winter Recess.
• Friday, Feb. 25 K-5 DJ Night in the gymnasium  7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.