School fundraisers are a part of elementary school life. When I was a kid, the big thing was selling pizzas. Over the years, what is sold for these fundraisers seems to have changed. We have bought copious amounts of cookie dough from neighbor kids. We recently bought some cheesecakes, and I think one time we bought frozen pretzels or something. I also faintly remember some catalog where you could buy a bunch of junk, and the school got a cut. While I like the kids getting out and doing some business, the reality is no one really needs the cookie dough or whatever else. The goal is to raise some money. 

For this reason, the classic jog-o-thon is the purest form of fundraiser, and it has withstood the test of time. Kids get out there and physically show how much they care for their school by running their butts off. Pledgers know they will get nothing in return except a smile and a stinky little child who, through rain or hot sun, will go out there and give it their all for their school.

My daughter’s school’s PTA recently put on the annual jog-o-thon, and the kids and the community stepped up to the plate by crushing the financial goal by 50%. I was not there, but Lindsey volunteered and said the kids gave it their all, especially the young kids who were so excited to be helping their school and not too cool yet to be worried about what their friends might think. While my heart swelled by the outpouring of effort by everyone involved, it was a story not of the students, parents, or active school staff that was the real message of what giving to your community is all about. 

Lindsey mentioned that Ms. Judy was volunteering at the jog-o-thon and that all the students were so happy to see her. Ms. Judy has been a staple at Acme Elementary as a para-educator for years, serving as the quirky one with the best outfit on 70’s dress-up day, most likely to dance at an assembly, and disciplinarian to ensure all the students stay safe. Milly, our dog adores her as she is guaranteed to provide a dog treat at the drop-off line. When Ms. Judy took a sabbatical this year to care for a family member, her presence was dearly missed. By just attending the jog-o-thon, she was sure to give every kid a boost, but she didn’t stop there.

Ms. Judy donated $1.00 to every student in the entire school. This meant that every student, no matter what was happening at home financially, could take pride in the fact that they contributed to the fundraiser. On the day of the jog-o-thon, I’m sure many didn’t realize that they had contributed and were just running to run, but later on, they would all realize what a special moment they had been a part of. A couple weeks later, at the jog-o-thon assembly, there was dancing and cheering as all the students took pride in their achievement. Then came the moment when the principal asked everyone who had raised at least $1.00 for their school to stand up. Because of Ms. Judy, the entire student body was able to rise. Ms. Judy, who was in the audience, was then asked to come up. Before she could make it all the way to the front, she was swarmed by the students, becoming the center of the largest group hug I have ever seen.

The $1.00 she donated to every kid far exceeded its monetary value. Ms. Judy’s gesture is a great reminder of how a seemingly small gesture can be large and impactful. Thanks, Ms. Judy, for helping educate us all.