By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter

PLOVER — Students and the community united to raise money for school programming at the Roosevelt Elementary School Rock the Walk fundraiser on May 10.

The event is in its seventh year and has grown to be the school’s largest Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) fundraising event.

“It’s our main fundraiser for our PTO,” said Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Kelly Snyder-Chase. “We wanted to get away from the wrapping paper, magazine sales that often are PTO fundraisers and do something that really brought our school community together.”

Students and the community united to raise money for school programming at the Roosevelt Elementary School Rock the Walk fundraiser on May 10. (Taylor Hale Photo)

Many local businesses have sponsored or donated to the event over the years. Some of this year’s major sponsors and donors included Scaffidi Motors, Mid-State Technical College, Monogram Loves Kids, Galaxy Comics, Gepetto’s Workshop and many more.

“The past few years we have been between $25,000 and $30,000 in proceeds,” Snyder-Chase said. The school raises proceeds from the event by sponsorships, donations, and pledge money gathered from participants walking laps on the school’s track. All profits stay within the school.

“Education funding is difficult at times,” Snyder-Chase explained. “Our PTO does a great job of helping fund those extra things that make education much more memorable and exciting. They help with field trips, technology, all sorts of things.”

Over 80 percent of the entire school body participated in the event, according to Snyder-Chase — and that number has grown yearly. With well over 100 volunteers and a growing number of walkers, it is clear that the community has embraced the school’s Rock the Walk program.

“It’s just gotten bigger every year,” Snyder-Chase said. “Events like this really bring our school community together. It’s something that’s really memorable for the kids, which is important.”

To learn more about Roosevelt Elementary School and their community events visit

https://www.pointschools.net/Roosevelt.

Contact Taylor J. Hale at [email protected] with Portage County news and information.