WMES fundraiser garners $19,000

PTA President Shannon Enfinger said she fully believse that the Fun Run was a complete success and it was due to the students, who “worked really hard for West Madison.”

West Madison Elementary’s Fun Run has come to an end, with the students raising $19,000 for the school.

“West Madison is extremely excited and proud of our students,” said WMES VP of Volunteers Katie Gaertner. “Not only did the students raise 19,000, but they also ran over 800 miles.”

The PTA sponsored a majority of the fundraiser, with four corporate sponsors.

Students at the school took donations for laps around the school’s track. The students ran and walked up to 12 laps (2 miles) around the track for a pledge per lap or a flat donation.

Sharon Enfinger, PTA president, said the money would be used to purchase supplies for the school.

“After covering the budget and Fun Run expenses, we believe we will be able to purchase one additional Next Classroom for a total of two,” Enfinger said. “We already had one in the budget and have purchased one per year for the past several years.”

She said five rooms are still in need of Next Classrooms, one first grade and the four kindergarten classes. She said Dr. Jah, the school’s principal, would like one in the library as well.

Next Classrooms include a Smart board, a document camera, a projector and a classroom amplification system.

Enfinger said the money would also be used for new railroad ties and picnic tables on the new playground, as well as pine tables. She also said a brick wall in front of school also needs to be replaced.

Although the goal of $30,000 was not met, Enfinger said running more than 800 miles for the Fun Run is still a cause for celebration.

The PTA does have plans to continue the fundraiser again next year.

“The PTA is proud of the students,” Gaetner said. “They went out and collected a lot of money. We know it all happened because of all the students’ hard work and commitment.”