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Community Pulls Together to Fund Field Trips
Cancelled by Deep Budget Cuts
Article: Family Times Magazine

Parents in Eau Claire have pulled together to overcome school district budget cuts that would prevent children from experiencing field trips that were formerly district-funded. Such deep cuts are being felt around the country, but here, parents have stepped in to protect children from being affected with a campaign that will kick off on August 15 and run through September 15.

“Some schools might be able to rise above budget cuts by calling on strong PTA/PTOs,” says Shannon Young, treasurer of Eau Claire United PTA/PTO, the group created to raise funds for local field trips. “But not every school has the resources to do that, and that’s where we come in. If every person in the city donates $1, we can achieve our goal and jump-start kids’ life-long learning.”

By ambitiously raising $70,000 in 30 days to replace cuts made by the school board in May, Eau Claire United PTA/PTO plans to reinstate field trips for every school in the district before even one year goes by without them. Third-graders will visit the Chippewa Valley Museum to learn community history, fifth-graders will connect with nature at Beaver Creek Reserve, and kids in junior high may dress up and be bused to Minneapolis for a performance at Guthrie Theater.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at local companies where jars will be placed near cash registers during the campaign, and paper buses to hang in windows will be available for donations at Mega Pick-n-Save, Burger King and other area businesses. Additionally, checks and pledges for fund-matching can be sent directly to ECASD Field Trip Fund in care of Shannon Young, Eau Claire United PTA/PTO Treasurer at 1020 Cummings Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Already local businesses have stepped forward to contribute services, goods and discounts as the group gears up for this important fundraiser, and some have volunteered to match funds. Burrachos will donate 20 percent of their sales from 5:00-9:00pm on August 20 and September 13. Culvers on Clairemont Dr. has pledged 10 percent of their sales from 10:00am-10:00pm on August 24 and September 8. The Chippewa Valley Museum and Paul Bunyan Logging Camp have lowered fees in an effort to keep that field trip possible, and Burger King has offered to match the group’s first $5,000 raised and will host the fundraiser’s kickoff event on August 15.

The enthusiasm and energy being generated by this grass-roots effort to focus on kids, education and community gives hope to the committee that its goals will be reached. Regardless of the amount raised, all funds will be used to support as many trips as possible.

“Everyone has fond memories of their class field trips,” explains Diane Willer, chair of the Eau Claire United PTA/PTO. “By keeping kids involved in their community, we are encouraging future growth and goodwill in Eau Claire.”

For more information, log onto Eau Claire United PTA/PTO’s web site: www.EauClaireUnitedPTA-PTO.blogspot.com