Patch Blog: Is Shopping Local the Best Way to Raise Funds for Schools?

During the past couple of months, Monrovians have been having a lively discussion about fundraising.

It all began with a marquee at Clifton Middle School asking Monrovians . The next screen specified to save your receipts from certain dates. People were most likely shopping at the mall for Christmas, so what damage could this really do?

Well, lots, it seemed when our newest elect Board Member saw this advertising out of context. Mr. Hammond did what he is required to do when he has a question -- call the superintendent. Being the holidays, a decision was made, after another two calls were received, to pull off the Shop Westfield Mall advertisement.

It took over a month to make a decision to put the sign up, though now the highlight is to save your receipts. These actions caused lots of dialogue, , some at the PTA Council meeting, some at the Board's meeting. It unfortunately also caused some funds to be lost from the people that did shop at the Westfield Mall but did not know it would make a difference to our school fundraiser.

We now know that everyone had all of Monrovia's best interests at heart. Our PTA is concerned about raising funds, our Board of Education is concerned about making sure we shop Monrovia, but all of us know that Monrovia is part of the San Gabriel Valley and no one is asking to avoid shopping Monrovia. All that is being asked is that if you are already going to shop at the mall, why not turn in your receipts to help our schools?

To button this up really nicely, Mr. Rob Hammond has graciously agreed to donate an acoustic guitar for the upcoming "Surf's Up at the Mayflower Auction." Thank you Mr. Hammond! We look forward to seeing you at the auction!

If you, your family or friends (adults) would like to attend the the Mayflower fundraiser:

March 24th, 6-10pm
Cost: $40 per person, $75 per couple, plus money for the auction!!
Dinner is included, no-host bar
Dalcorp Car Museum
852 S. Alta Vista Ave,
Monrovia, CA

For ANY receipts you might have from the Westfield Mall, please turn them in to either Clifton (who REALLY needs funds) or Mayflower (who is always happy to get funds). Deadline is April 30th, 2012.

We have our Munch Accross Monrovia throughout local restaurants, please check the Patch, or with friends and family that have children at our MUSD schools for ongoing events. It is great to support our local restaurants while also helping our schools during these financial challenging times.