Return to Fundraising

2023-2024 “Fly High, Give Big” Red Envelope Giving Campaign

Consider giving generously to support our learning community.

Click here to donate online via PayPal

The Cascadia Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting families, teachers and school leadership. 

On October 12th, 2023, our PTA will kick off its Red Envelope Giving Campaign – Fly High, Give Big!

At Cascadia we keep our fundraising simple and straightforward. Instead of holding events, auctions, etc., our PTA encourages a one-time per year donation, and this year’s suggested amount is $747 per student. This donation can also be broken into monthly payments by using PayPal. We recognize that different families have different finances and encourage you to donate the amount that feels right for your family. Our goal is for every family to return their red envelopes regardless of the level of giving.  Every year we see a range from $0 to well above the per-student ask. 100% participation is an important goal! Please note any donation amount can be broken into monthly payments by using PayPal. 

Funds raised through the Annual Giving Campaign directly fund this year’s school budget.  We know this year’s per student goal amount is greater than last year’s. SPS’ budget shortfall has disproportionately impacted Cascadia and our PTA had to provide significantly more funding to maintain nearly the same basic staff and services the Cascadia community needs to thrive. This year’s goal supports this change.  

As a thank you for your participation, students will be entered into a weekly raffle for prizes (lego kits, Squishmallows, glider kits, and more) and can have the chance to have a Cascadia Dragon as a class pet (complete with temporary naming rights!). Raffle winners will be contacted via email provided on their donation form and will be able to select from any remaining raffle prizes. All gifts will be distributed after the campaign concludes.

What does my donation support?

  • 50% of the librarian’s salary;
  • $25,000 towards recess supervision;
  • 40% of the Assistant Principal’s salary (the school is currently interviewing candidates);
  • 66% of instrumental music salary costs;
  • 40% of the counselor’s salary;
  • 50% of the nurse’s salary;
  • 33% of the math/reading interventionist’s salary;
  • 100% of the Ilab and garden programs; 
  • Other curriculum and professional development support for teachers and students; and
  • Scholarships to support participation in music, field trips, and extracurriculars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do PTAs Fundraise At All?

Many would agree that, ideally, PTAs shouldn’t be fundraising, that the state should fully fund public education. But the reality is Washington state chronically underfunds education, year in and year out.  State education funding is based on a 20 year-old precedent that locks urban and rural spending and limits local taxes for education. To get into the nitty gritty a bit, Seattle’s cost of living is 135% of WA’s state median cost of living yet SPS is only funded at 105% of median. This means we have fewer staff than other WA schools and our teachers are functionally paid less for more work.  With such a systemic state funding shortfall, our school needs PTA funds to run safely and effectively.

Why Has The Ask Increased So Much?

The district instituted BIG budget cuts in the spring of 2023. This meant $150,000 less in funding to Cascadia. The PTA is hoping to fill this gap in district funds so we can maintain the services we believe our kids need. This includes a full time librarian, a nurse, counselor, art, music, instrumental music for grade 5, garden and ilab and an assistant principal. We don’t see this as ‘cherry on top’ funding, we believe this level of staffing is needed for the school to run safely (i.e., enough adults in the building) and for our children to get the intellectual and creative stimulation that they need.  Our school is not perfect but right now it offers quite a lot to our students, and we don’t want this to change.

What Do I Do With My Red Envelope?

Our goal is for every family to return their red envelopes regardless of the level of giving. Every year we see a range from $0 to well above the per-student ask. 100% participation is the goal! Please complete the enclosed response form and return it in the red envelope to your child’s homeroom teacher. Even if you donate online, or are choosing not to donate at all, please return the response form and red envelope for each child you have at Cascadia. You can also digitally “return” your Red Envelope by submitting your form and financial contribution online using the QR code below.

When is the deadline?

Response forms and red envelopes should be returned to your student’s homeroom teacher (or submitted online) by Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Can I use a credit card to donate money?

Yes! Click here to donate online via PayPal. Please be sure to also submit a paper or digital donation form so we can track your donation and provide you a receipt). You can also submit cash or a check payable to Cascadia PTA. Please note PayPal charges a non-profit collection fee of 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction. You can choose to offset these charges when you donate.

Can we spread our donation throughout the year?

Yes! You can set up recurring monthly donations via PayPal.

Do you accept employer matches?

YES!!! Every year, employer matches play a big part in our red envelope campaign. Please reach out to your employer and request matching funds. Please indicate the name of your employer your Red Envelope form (paper or digital) so that the PTA can anticipate the matching gift. If you need more information, please email us at fundraising@cascadiapta.org.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes! Cascadia PTA will provide you a letter documenting your contribution. Letters will be distributed approximately one month after the conclusion of the Annual Fund. Our Tax ID is 45-2972289.

 

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