News

Fundraising alive and well in the Chathams

THE CHATHAMS -- Private fundraising is everywhere in the Chathams for everything from wrestling mats to musical instruments to a summer concert series. With state caps on municipal spending and school budgets, there is very little if any discretionary spending left for those nice to have items. In both the 2006 and 2007 budget years, the school district has been forced to cut back on staffing and eliminate some of the world language offerings in the lower grades.

And that is where the donations to the schools can really make an impact. In the past year the school district has received more than $206,000 from booster and civic organizations that pay for everything from transportation to sporting and music competitions to assemblies, master classes and smart boards. The school PTO organizations donated $104,993, the Athletic Boosters came in at $52,460, the Music and Theater Boosters donated $46,690 and the district received a Bridge Award for $1,370 and a donation from the Junior League of $977.

“Groups such as the boosters and PTOs are tremendous for our district especially with the budget constraints we face,” said Board of Education Vice President Richard Ford at a June BOE meeting. “They keep Chatham a notch above everyone else and we thank the residents for their generosity.”

Residents donate not only money but their time to the school district as well. The PTO organizations make up for staff and program shortfalls by coordinating volunteers for the libraries, art room and for playground supervision.

In the past ten years, the Chatham Education Foundation has funded more than 200 projects totaling $280,000 for special projects throughout Chatham public schools, either as district-wide gifts or through grants awarded to teachers for use in their classrooms. In recognition of its 10th anniversary this year, the CEF hopes to raise $100,000 to fund the creation of a wireless cyber-center in a converted section of the High School cafeteria. The CEF conducts the annual Taste of Chatham fundraiser in November and the Teacher Tribute Fund in December as well as accepting donations throughout the year.

With the success of the CEF, the Chatham Athletic Foundation was formed in 2005 to improve the field conditions and athletic opportunities for Chatham youth. The CAF raised more than $300,000 in one year and formed a partnership with the township and borough governments to rehabilitate at least two fields, one in each town. In June, the Lum Avenue field was reopened after the completion of an artificial turf project, one-third of which was funded by community donations. Like many other foundations the CAF sends out requests for donations and holds an annual fundraising gala with the next one scheduled for September 28. The CAF also instituted a grant program this spring that allows residents to apply for $30,000 in recreational grants.

© 2011 Chatham Athletic Foundation

Email: theboard@chathamathleticfoundation.org