Schools put the fun in fundraising for United Way

Schools embrace fundraising challenge with plenty of fun activities

Hat day. Penny wars. Kiss a pig – oh my!  Those are just three of the fundraising tactics taking place at schools to support Gaston County Schools’ annual campaign for the United Way of Gaston County.

The goal is for the special activities combined with contributions from school and central-level employees will net $125,000 for the United Way, which is committed to supporting local families through initiatives that focus on three areas: education, financial stability, and health and wellness.

For 2025, the campaign theme is “Do It Again, Gaston County Schools!”  Last year, the schools and central level departments pledged to raise at least $125,000 – the school district exceeded that goal and collected nearly $132,000, which is the highest total ever.  Now, the challenge is to do it again.

Needless to say, schools are being creative in their approach to fundraising.  Cramerton Middle School had a full week of activities, including a slushie sale, pie-a-teacher contest, and Halloween costume day.  Mount Holly Middle School organized “Hawk Palooza” where students and staff competed in various games such as ball toss, hula hoop, and a basketball shootout.  The assistant principal, Deon Kennedy, even wrote and recorded a rap to kick off the school’s fundraising efforts.

At Hawks Nest STEAM Academy, if students raise at least $750, principal Nicole Lawson has promised to kiss a pig.  That’s the case at Woodhill Elementary, too.  Principal Jaime Wallace will kiss a pig if her students collect $500.

Just in time for the Thanksgiving season, students at Sadler Elementary were able to purchase Gobble Grams with a Blow Pop attached to send to school friends, and teachers and staff could donate $5 and be entered in a drawing for prizes such as jeans and duty-free lunch passes. 

York Chester Middle School had a dress-up spirit week with students paying $1 each day to wear a particular outfit.  The school also had a dance with a $5 admission.  The school had staff incentives as well, ranging from a car wash gift certificate to a free breakfast and lunch, based on how much employees donated.    

And, at Rankin Elementary, the school channeled the philanthropic efforts of country music singer Dolly Parton with a Dolly-themed coin drive – the assistant principal dressed in a blonde wig and made her rounds through the school pushing her “Dolly Carton” fundraising cart with snacks offered in exchange for donations.  (The Dolly Parton Imagination Library receives funds from the United Way to make the program possible locally and provide books to children free-of-charge.) 

Across Gaston County Schools, all kinds of fun fundraising activities are happening as students, parents, employees, and others extend a helping hand to ensure that, through the local United Way, children receive educational support, parents maintain a stable job and home, and all citizens experience healthier lives.  The funds are used to support 26 non-profit and crisis assistance agencies/programs in Gaston County. 

Each employee should have received a Donor Pledge Form from their school/department campaign coordinator.  Employees who are inclined to give should make sure their pledge form is turned in by Friday, November 7.  Contributions in all amounts are accepted and appreciated as every dollar adds up.