Event raises funds for yearly projects
Second-grader Abby Kubes makes her third shot on the Hole-N-One golf game at the Hallett Elementary PTSO carnival and silent auction, Feb. 8. Abby made a total of two shots.
Trenton Collins tosses a ball down a maze in hopes of getting a prize while his friend Peter Eloegman waits for his turn.
The sound of laughter and happy screaming filled the Hallett Elementary school gym as children played carnival games such as Hole-N-One Golf, Ring Toss and Rad Racer skee ball.
The Hallett Elementary PTSO held their annual Silent Auction and Carnival fundraiser, Feb. 8.
According to PTSO president Alexis Gonzalez, preparation for the event began after students returned from winter break. Gonzalez collects donations from businesses and reaches out to classrooms to build themed baskets and fill it with items for the silent auction. She also reaches out to the school district for volunteers.
Gonzalez mentioned that 22 high school students helped with the event. Sophomores Cailin Mandapat and Brooke Coenen agreed to volunteer after they saw a post on the PTSO's Facebook page about the carnival. Although both students were using the hours to fulfill part of the 10 hours of community service they need for the year, they enjoyed helping at the event.
"It was really fun," Mandapat said.
"The kids are really cute," Coenen added.
In addition to the silent auction, there were raffle drawings to help raise money. Proceeds from the event go toward the 12 events put on by the PTSO each year. Money that is left over is used for other projects.
Hallett Elementay student Trenton Collins and his friend Peter Eloegman both enjoyed the carnival and said their favorite game was the football throw.
In addition to the carnival games, there was also a book walk in the library, similar to a cake walk, where students won a free book.
After the event was finished, Gonzalez said this year's fundraiser had an increase of 30 percent more ticket sales than in the previous three years she has run the event.
She added that she had received more compliments about the games and volunteers than she had in the past.
"We had over 1,000 people in and out of the carnival," Gonzalez said. "To me, that is remarkable. We had a good day."
Click on the following link to visit the Hallett Elementary PTSO Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hallett-Elementary-PTSO/265567010150875
Al Stover can be al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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