98 Belmont Drive. Livingston. NJ. 07039

98 Belmont Drive. Livingston. NJ. 07039

September 2009

Dear Parents:

Tired. Yes, we’re all tired. Tired of writing check after check for fundraisers the PTA coordinates each fall. Tired of spending time to fill out paperwork and order things that you really don’t need or want. Tired from volunteering to help administer these fundraisers. Tired of the fact that these companies, which provide the fundraising products, get the majority of your money and the PTA gets only a fraction. Wouldn’t it be easier to write just one check and know that when you give money it’s all going directly to the PTA – a non-profit organization?

The PTA conducts these fundraisers every fall to raise money for educationally enriching programs and family-friendly events at HillsideSchool that are not covered by the school budget. (A list of what the PTA supports/provides is included at the end of this letter.) All of the fundraising companies we work with are for-profit businesses and only return a small portion of the profits back to the school. Fundraisers take the time and effort of many volunteers.

The Just Write A Check campaign is an economical way for all of our families to support the programs and events of which every Hillside child benefits. If you were to participate in our typical fall fundraisers at a bare minimum, we estimate that you would spend at least $100. So, why not just write a check? It is a relatively new approach to raising money but other New Jersey schools are doing it with great success and it’s so easy. It’s also tax deductible.

Please be as generous as your family budget allows and rest assured, your contribution will be kept confidential. We hope to have 100% of our HillsideSchool families participate in the campaign so we can continue offering the programs and services our families and children have grown to love and enjoy. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Sincerely,

The PTA Executive Board

Cami Konecky, Kathleen Small, Filona Leechow, Michelle Allen, Fiona Bhanushali, Mindy Pritikin

PTA Programs, Servicesand Events

(Just a portion of what the PTA does is mentioned)

Kindergarten Memory Books and Take Home Envelopes Assignment Notebooks for grades 2-5

Fun Time Events and Family Fun Nights

Cultural Arts Programs (3-4 Assemblies per year, Poetry Alive/Author in Residence)

Fact PackBox Tops Contest5th Grade Activities

Art AppreciationBirthday BoardHalloween Hoopla

Kindergarten PrepMedia Center purchasesMulticultural Night

Mother’s Day Plant SaleHoliday Gift ShopSchool Supplies

Lunch & SnacksHobby HourApparel

Spring Basket eventYearbookMemorial Day Parade

Nutrition WeekRed Ribbon WeekIndoor Lunch Toys

HillsideGardensEarth Day ActivitiesTeacher Grants

Read Across AmericaAnnual CarnivalFamily Picnic

98 Belmont Drive. Livingston. NJ. 07039

Please return this form to your child’s teacher in an envelope marked

“Just Write A Check”

Enclosed is $______for the Just Write A Check campaign.

Suggested Family Donation:

$25 for one child, $40 for 2 children, $55 for 3 or more children

Please make checks payable to Hillside PTA.

Your Name: ______Email: ______

Address: ______Home Phone: ______

Child’s Name and Teacher:______

Child’s Name and Teacher:______

Child’s Name and Teacher:______

Yes, My company offers a Matching Gift program. I will request a matching contribution. Charitable Registration #

Company Name: ______