Pine Creek Elementary struck a chord with its community this year during the Badger Bash, successfully reaching its $55,000 fundraising goal and creating an event full of energy, teamwork, and school pride.
With the help of coordinator Kelly, the fundraiser brought together students, families, teachers, and volunteers in support of the school’s PTO, which provides essential funding throughout the year.
Supporting Students All Year Long
Funds raised from the Badger Bash will go directly toward the PTO’s annual budget, supporting a wide range of programs and experiences, including:
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Field trips
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School assemblies
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New equipment for students
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Teacher classroom allocations
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Monthly staff “boost ups”
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Conference meals for teachers
“This fundraiser touches every part of our school,” Kelly shared. “It allows us to support both students and staff in meaningful ways all year long.”
Strong Participation Across Every Classroom
One of the most impressive achievements this year was the level of student involvement. Every class reached over 80 percent participation, a testament to the excitement surrounding the event and the strong sense of community at Pine Creek.
“Seeing that level of participation across the board was incredible,” Kelly said. “It really showed how invested our families are in supporting the school.”
Using PledgeStar helped make it easier for families to send out donation requests and keep track of their progress, which supported strong participation across classrooms.
Motivation Through Friendly Competition
A key driver of that participation was the use of prizes and incentives, which helped motivate students through healthy competition. Classrooms and individuals set goals, celebrated milestones, and cheered each other on throughout the fundraiser.
“The kids loved it,” Kelly said. “They were encouraging each other, checking progress, and really getting into the spirit of it. It made the whole experience more fun.”
Powered by Volunteers
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of parent and community volunteers helped bring the Badger Bash to life. From organizing logistics to supporting students and staff throughout the event, their contributions were essential.
“This event would not be possible without our volunteers,” Kelly emphasized. “They show up, they support, and they help create something really special for our kids.”
More Than a Fundraiser
While reaching the $55,000 goal was a major accomplishment, the Badger Bash offered something even more valuable: connection. Students, families, and staff came together with a shared purpose, creating an atmosphere that was both celebratory and meaningful.
“It’s more than just raising money,” Kelly reflected. “It’s about building a community where everyone feels involved and proud of what we’re doing together.”
With another successful Badger Bash in the books, Pine Creek Elementary continues to build a tradition that supports both educational opportunities and school spirit.
Thanks to strong participation, enthusiastic students, and the dedication of volunteers, this year’s event proved that when a community comes together, great things happen.
