Frequently Asked Questions...

When did the Oak Hill PTA begin its Pledge program?
The Oak Hill PTA eliminated sales fundraisers and implemented the Pledge program at the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year. Until that time, PTA raised funds a variety of ways: high ticket prices for community events (notably its Family Fun Night), raffles, auctions, gift wrap sales, cookie dough sales, discount card sales, etc.

Why the Pledge instead of sales and other fundraising options?
The pledge program has numerous benefits to the PTA and its members:

• Members who pledge save money. We found that in 2005-6, a family that wanted to participate in the Family Fun Night (now Fall Festival) and support sales fundraisers could easily spend over $150. About $50 of that went back to vendors.
• Pledging saves you time. Students (and really their parents) aren’t asked to spend time selling to neighbors, relatives and friends.
• The pledge means a significant decrease in the number of volunteer hours required for fundraising. Under the pledge, volunteers aren't needed to tally and sort wrapping paper orders, solicit and put together raffle and auction items, etc. Instead, our volunteers spend their time involved in activities that support the PTA's mission.
• The PTA meets its income budget early in the year, making it possible to better manage its expenses throughout the year.
• Ticket prices at community events like Fall Festival, Bingo & Game Night are kept low, making these fun events easier for everyone to attend. Additionally, families who pledge receive free tickets to a select PTA event of their choice.
  
  The PTA does still sell spirit wear and items, as well as school supplies, aren't those fundraisers?
  The Oak Hill PTA does still sell select items as a service to our school community. These items are sold at our cost, including all related expenses like shipping, bank fees, postage & copies. The goal is to neither make nor lose money on these items, only to ensure that the costs are covered. In the case of school supplies, the PTA does get a small discount that varies and is applied after orders are received. The amount of that discount is then used to support our Family Outreach program by allowing the counselors to purchase supplies for students in need. Schools that use this program as a fundraiser add several dollars to the price of each kit and backpack sold, in addition to taking this discount.
  
  Why do Pledge members have to pay to attend some of the events?
  Event tickets are priced with the goal that each event will just cover its own cost or show a small loss. Events like Fall Festival are a fun way for our community to come together. They aren't, however, at the core of the PTA's mission. Pledge funds are directed to the PTA activities that do support our mission, such as GRACE Art, cultural arts assemblies, and other programs that directly impact our students.