C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook Donates More Than $2,000 to Elmbrook Schools in September

Brookfield, Wis. – In its largest single monthly total since beginning donations in late 2014, the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook will donate more than $2,000 to 22 public and private Elmbrook schools in September.

Swanson Elementary School will receive $990.36 from the business-consumer partnership, which donates the money following consumer purchases at participating businesses. Rounding out the top four donations are $381.96 to Brookfield Academy, $360.84 to Wisconsin Hills Middle School, and $175.71 to Brookfield Central High School.

Swanson Elementary receives the largest donation because it has the highest participation rate of parents and other supporters. Individual schools have complete discretion over use of the donated funds.

The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook (#CARINGforelmbrook) is a consumer-focused initiative that brings together residents and businesses to support local schools. Consumers can provide additional money for their favorite schools just by patronizing locally-owned participating businesses in the program. The non-profit organization has donated more than $5,000 to Elmbrook schools since November 2014. No extra cost is involved for consumers.

“The simplicity of the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group is that people can donate money to their chosen schools without having to write a check or incur any additional personal expense,” said Tom Gaumond, President of the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook. “Participating businesses make donations after sales to C.A.R.I.N.G. Group members. It’s that easy.”

A list of participating businesses is posted at www.thecaringgroup.org. Don’t see your favorite business there? Talk to the owner or manager about joining the C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook, which is free. The only criteria are that a business be based in the Elmbrook School District, or have an owner who lives in the district (even if the business is elsewhere).

Consumers can register as C.A.R.I.N.G. Group Elmbrook members at www.thecaringgroup.org. Members select their schools when signing up. No dues or fees are involved. When members purchase products and services from participating businesses, a portion of the sale is donated to the member’s chosen school(s). The program includes all public and private schools in the Elmbrook School District geographical area.

“The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group uses a principle that consumers can generate money for their favorite schools just by making purchases they could need on any given day,” Gaumond said. “If you have a favorite local business that isn’t part of the program, ask them to join! Together we can build stronger schools and a stronger community.”

The C.A.R.I.N.G. Group web site has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page that explains many program details. Questions can be e-mailed to info@thecaringgroup.org. All submitted information, including sign-up information from consumers and businesses, is kept strictly confidential and not sold or distributed.