Penny Wars Neona McDaniel, English Teacher

"My school did a 'penny war" with the classrooms competing against each other. Jars were placed out side of each classroom at the start of the day and end of the day, with someone monitering of course.For every penny added to the jar a classroom would receive one point. Every nickel, dime, quarter, added and the class lost points according to the value of the coin. A dollar in the jar and the class lost 100 points. Kids were allowed to place coins and dollars in any jar they wanted, so they could make a classroom with the most points that day lose points by placing everything but pennies in the jar. Points were posted every day and the money collected in the office at the end of the day where student helpers wrapped pennies, nickels, dimes and so forth.

At the end of the nine week period, the class with the most points won a popcorn/movie party. This can be done in elementary schools but for secondary, it works best if the competing classes are all homerooms. Easy way to raise money for the school, no out going expense!"

American Heart Association Anna, Inclusion Teacher: Wappingers Falls, NY

Every year I coordinate the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. The fundraiser can be a one-class participation or held throughout each grade level or on a building level. The students love the energy involved in the program and enjoy the participation. Aimee Bolger, at the American Heart Association, is the contact person in Dutchess County for the event. Classroom discussions are held about the significance, difference and contributions the students are making to the community with just a little bit of time and energy on their part. The students are instructed not to go door to door to obtain sponsors, but to ask family members and relatives. The AHA provides the entire necessary sponsor forms, permission slips, and materials needed for the event. You select the date and time.

American Cancer Society Gina, 5th Grade Teacher: Burlington, VT

A fundraising event that is currently tied in with our schools spirit days/dress down days is this. Each Friday is designated as a particular day, such as tie die shirt day or hat day for the students. Each Friday is also dress down day for the teachers. All students who participate in the spirit day contribute $.10 and each teacher that participates in dress down day contributes $1.00. The money is collected and donated to a different local charity each year (or whatever time period is decided). For example, last year the money collected went to the Leukemia Society. This year, the money is being donated to the American Cancer Society for the fight against breast cancer.

Pasta Night Beth, 5th Grade Teacher: Arlington, TX

"We started a tradition years ago, called Royal Pasta Night at my school. The gist of it is that on one night of the year we have parents and children come in at night for pasta dinner. This is no ordinary pasta dinner though, you must pay four per 3 oz. plate and which ever boy, girl, mother, father, and the family eats the most gets a wonderful prize which was donated by town store owners. We usually end up making $2000 on any particular night."

Fight Against Hunger Linda, K-12 PE Teacher: Rochester, NY

You can organize a walk that allows students to get sponsors for "a walk against hunger." Give students cards that they can use to elicit sponsors starting at $1.00 quarter mile. Arrange for students to walk during a weekend so that families can participate in this event. You can also arrange for the walk to take place at a large mall (during earrly hours before business begins. This is an event that is worthwhile and that also communicates good health.