Beat the Call by donating to the Park City Education Foundation early this Fall

Park City Education Foundation updates name and way to give; Beat the Call is out, Build the Foundation is in. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — Beat the Call (BTC) begins in earnest as school begins this Fall. The Park City Education Foundation’s volunteer ambassadors will work in concert with the Park City School District PTO volunteers to ensure students and staff receive the best education experience throughout this year.

By donating during BTC, parents will avoid being called on the phone on Friday, September 16 with a direct appeal to donate. BTC is PCEF’s longest-running fundraiser in front of the other two annual fundraisers; The Red Apple Gala and Running with Ed. Donations support students ages three to 23.

Jennifer Billow, PCEF Associate Director of Communications and Development, told TownLift, “We start the school year off with a commitment of $1.5 million dollars of program funding that our students, educators, and schools need.

And, we start the year off asking parents to support PCEF with a donation of $1/school day which = $180, per child. You can’t even get a cup of coffee for $1 any more!

Or, you can join Scholar Circle, our membership program comprised of families donating $1,000/year, or just $5.55 per day.”

PCEF’S EIGHT SIGNATURE INITIATIVES:

1. PRESCHOOL: Raise the odd for success. Lower the cost of preschool.
2. ELEMENTARY VISUAL ARTS (EVA): Keep art in the picture.
3. AFTERSCHOOL: Quality afterschool programs (K-9th) that work for working parents.
4. EDUCATOR AND STUDENT WELLNESS: Wellness is an essential subject.
5. REAL WORLD LEARNING: Putting STEAM to work.
6. BRIGHT FUTURES: A college degree for first-generation students.
7. CLASSROOM AND EXPRESS GRANTS: Power a teacher. Launch a student.
8. INNOVATION LAB: Education ideas for the future from those who know best → educator voice in education.

“Our students will be entering a world filled with unknown opportunities and challenges. By supporting them from the time they enter preschool through college graduation, PCEF helps give them the foundation they need for success. Your gift helps fund the foundation’s eight signature initiatives that have the greatest impact—throughout their time in school,” said Billow.

Inside of the schools’ common areas in September are creative tally boards which are updated bi-weekly as community members donate. Outside of the schools, parents picking up and dropping off students in school parking lots won’t be able to miss the costumed, sign-waving volunteers reminding them to donate to BTC. A simple scan of the QR codes will direct donors efficiently to opportunities to give online.

Coming home in backpacks are envelopes for cash or checks to be brought back and given to teachers.

This annual fundraiser will be incentivized for all stakeholders by community supporters like the The UPS Stores of Park City who will provide logistical and financial assistance as well as restaurants like Red Banjo Pizza who will sponsor incentive pizza parties in classrooms with high participation. 

You can “Beat the Call” by clicking here to donate.