Out of this World Cumberland Space Walk

  Friday, October 23rd, 2009

5-4-3-2-1, BLAST OFF! Our Walkathon Committee is already busy getting ready for Cumberland's annual party and only major PTA fundraiser, the Walkathon and Silent/Live auction. The theme this year is "Out of this World - Cumberland Space Walk 2009". Spend the day with us as we host this fun-filled community event!

Raise money for Cumberland! Money raised at the Walkathon funds programs for all Cumberland students and teachers through programs such as Band, FAME (Fine Arts Mini Experiences), Science Fair, Book Fair, the Computer Lab, Science Camp, Performances, Assemblies and Teacher Grants. This year we must raise at least  $85,000! In the weeks before the Walkathon, students ask families, friends, and neighbors to sponsor them with pledges which the student records on the Pledge Envelope that will be sent home with your student. Some people like to donate a flat amount of money that is not dependent on how many laps the student walks--students collect these donations immediately and store the money in their envelope. Others like to reward students by pledging to pay a certain amount for each lap the student walks. Students record the pledge and then must take their envelopes back to these sponsors to collect their donation in the days following the Walkathon. The PTA spends approximately $225 on each student every year. Please consider this as you help your child collect pledges. Several tax receipts are included in each student's pledge envelope. Additional receipts will be available in the Office.

Come ready to shop! The Silent/Live Auction features thousands of dollars worth of donated merchandise and gift certificates. There are tickets to big league sporting events, theaters, and concerts.  Or, you can purchase services like pet sitting, or classes like Jazzercise, Yoga or knitting.  And, don't forget all the parties you can buy that are hosted by our awesome Cumberland parents such as a Wine Party, Sushi Party, and Halloween Party (these are for adults only)!. There are also class theme baskets full of treasures, food, crafts & games. Come do your Holiday shopping while you help support Cumberland School.

Be prepared to feast! On Walkathon Day, we'll be selling some great food, so plan to enjoy lunch or an early dinner. Also, don't forget our Bake Sale and Fun Food booths to try out the numerous baked elicacies and yummy treats like ice cream and cotton candy!

Entertainment for the kids! Our small Jr. astronauts will love playing carnival games, visiting the Pocket Lady, or getting their faces painted. Kids always enjoy the wild-and-crazy half-time show put on by the teachers.

Help Cumberland succeed! To make Walkathon a success, we need everyone's help. There are lots of ways to join the fun:

-Please volunteer on Walkathon day.  We need all of you! (See the Volunteer Form in the First Walkathon Packet)

-Find out if your company has a gift-matching program to increase your contribution

-Lend your equipment for the big day

-Donate an item, theme basket, party, or service to be sold at the Silent/Live Auction

-Encourage your children to ask friends, family, and neighbors to sponsor them

-Want to promote your business? Sponsor an ad in the Auction Catalog

-Shop at the Silent/Live Auction, Boutique store; and, of course,

-Sponsor your child!

Miscellaneous Information:

-Please ensure that your child has turned in the Permission Form to their teacher by the announced deadline.

-Do you like the Walkathon T-Shirt? Order one for every member of your family! Please return your order form to your child's teacher, ASAP.  Make all checks payable to "Cumberland PTA".