All eyes were fixated on the library for the past two weeks at Pine Knob Elementary, but it wasn’t the books holding students? attention this time. Twenty-three bushel-sized baskets, overflowing with free goodies, had all mouths watering in anticipation of what was inside.
The baskets were part of the school’s annual basket raffle, a fund-raiser to benefit the PTA featured during the March 20 Spring Fun Fair. (The total amount raised this year was unavailable at press time).
This year’s basket raffle was the third year for the event, coordinated by PKE’s PTA. The baskets were put on display in the library in the days leading up to the fair.
‘During class, the librarian has a hard time getting kids to pick books because they’re glued to the baskets,? Kim Miller, PKE PTA, said.
Each class picked a theme for their basket and filled it accordingly. The baskets, direct from Detroit’s Eastern Market, were then carefully hand-painted by volunteers Roni Halley, Maureen Addis, Laura Ushiro and Monique Zeder to match the chosen theme.
Additional baskets were done by PKE support services, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and a parent.
Basket-winner hopefuls bought $1 raffle tickets to be placed in a drawing for the basket of choice.
This year’s basket themes included ‘Pool Party?, ‘Summer Fun?, ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun?, ‘Family Game Night? and ‘Barrel of Laughs?.
There was even a raffle for a student to be principal for half a day.
‘The ‘Barrel of Laughs? basket is always popular with older kids,? Miller said. The ‘Movie Night? basket was also a big hit as well.
The PTA relies on the donations from the school and local businesses to fill each of the 23 baskets. More than 22 area businesses generously contributed to the fund-raiser, and items were still coming in the day before the fair. Circuit City allowed Miller to spend $75 on whatever she wanted in the store when she asked for a donation.
Even Kid Rock donated an autographed picture to complete the ‘BBQ? basket.
‘The best part is seeing them (baskets) when they’re all together,? Miller said. ‘You get worried about the donations, but they always come through.?
The PTA was hoping to raise an amount similar to last year’s figure of $3,500. The money would help with PTA activities as part of the annual budget.
Funds from the past helped build the school’s outdoor classroom.
Not only did the students enjoy the chance to win a basket, but they also found excitement in helping the school raise money.
‘This is one fund-raiser where they feel like they’re really a part of it,? Miller said. ‘The teachers were really good about it. They had to send out notes and reminders.?
Kim Voog-Sabbag’s second grade class created the ‘Family Book Collection? basket. Her students voted on the theme and what the class would be responsible for in terms of donations.
‘They could bring in anything to do with reading,? Voog-Sabbag, who helped coordinate the fund-raiser, said. ‘I thought they were really creative. The kids were very excited, and their excitement gets the parents here.?
Items in their basket included a Disney boom box, book lights, Teddy Graham crackers, a $10 Borders gift card, various popular youth books, a travel pillow and flashlight.
Support from parents was also crucial to the success of the fund-raiser.
‘I’m always amazed at how the parents come together,? Voog-Sabbag said. ‘The kids are excited and feel like they’ve given to it.?
For Miller, one of the best aspects of the drive was seeing the faces of winners when his or her name is called out. Whenever she received a handful of coins in exchange for a ticket, she knows there’s a little face waiting patiently to win.
‘It’s amazing to see the kids when they’ve won,? Miller said.