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Check-a-Thon 2024

 September 3 - 13 

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129% of goal amount

"Every emerald gets us closer to leveling up our goal."

Compendium

The compendium holds the answers to the most frequently asked Check-a-thon questions.

❓ What is Check-a-Thon?

Check-a-Thon is WGA’s annual direct donation fundraiser—a campaign where students raise money by asking friends, family, and community members to donate checks, cash, or secure online payments instead of selling products like cookie dough or wrapping paper.


100% of the funds go directly to support WGA students and programs—and donations are tax deductible!


Why we love it:

  • No middleman—your donation goes directly to the school.

Encourages student involvement and creativity: Videos, lemonade stands, art sales—kids take the lead and feel empowered.

💸 How Are the Funds Used?

Check-a-Thon funds support campus-wide enhancements, in previous years this has included:

  • Shade structures

  • Classroom technologies

  • Hydroponic systems

  • Visual and performing arts

  • Sound systems

They also fund the PTO budget, which covers:

  • Family events

  • Teacher Appreciation Week

  • Student & teacher support all year

🔗 Learn more about the programs and events that PTO supports here.

Throughout the year, guided by our core value of kindness, WGA also gives back by supporting local Title I schools and community projects.

***NOTE: All funds from the event go directly to the WGA PTO fund before being allocated to various projects and programs.***

🔐 You can see a detailed breakdown of the PTO budget and updates on various funding requests here (members must be logged in to view).

📝 Want to see this year’s goals?
Check out our ‘wish list’ in the flyer that came home with your student(s) or in the message sent via Parent Square on Kickoff Day, Monday 10/13.

✅ Are Donations Tax Deductible?

Yes! WGA PTO is part of Chandler School Boosters, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID: 35-2451830). No goods or services are provided in exchange for donations.

📨 A paper receipt will be sent home within a few days so check your student’s backpack. If you don’t receive it, send us an email: wga.pto.treasurer@gmail.com

Include:

  • Your name

  • Student’s name

  • Teacher’s name

  • Donation date

  • Donation amount

💳 How Can I Donate?

Three ways:

  • CHECK

    • Make checks payable to WGA PTO and send in the provided envelope.

    • Multiple checks? Send them together in the provided envelope.

    • Already sent in your envelope or can’t find it? Label each check with your student’s name, grade, and teacher before sending in.

  • ONLINE

    • Donate securely via credit/debit card or bank account using Zeffy.

    • From the main Zeffy page locate your class page where you will enter your donation amount and payment information.

  • CASH

Accepted in provided envelope, though not recommended.

🌟 How Can Families Help Raise Funds?

We encourage students to take the lead in fundraising by thinking creatively:

  • 📹 Make a short video asking for support

  • 🍋 Host a lemonade stand

  • 🎨 Sell handmade art, jewelry, or treats

  • 📱 Text, email, or call family and friends

💡 People to ask: family, friends, neighbors, parents’ coworkers, your hairdresser, your doctor, your dentist—anyone!

Need ideas?
📧 Contact the Check-a-Thon Committee at wga.pto@gmail.com

🏢 Do Employers Match Donations?

Yes! Many employers like Intel, Honeywell, and Wells Fargo match charitable contributions.

✔️ Check with your HR department for instructions
📤 Forward confirmation to wga.pto@gmail.com

🙋 Are There Volunteer Opportunities?

Absolutely! Help us with:

  • Decoration making for the Family Build

  • Event setup and cleanup

  • Counting donations

  • Raffle prep

  • Reward distribution

  • Pizza party for top earners

🔗 To view more information or sign-up use this link: Volunteer Opportunities

💵 What’s a Typical Donation Amount?

It’s entirely up to you!

In 2024:

  • Donations ranged from $10 to $10,000

  • Most families gave $25 to $100

  • Average donation was about $150

🎯 Every bit helps—and it’s 100% tax-deductible.

🎁 What Are the Rewards?

Students, classes, and the whole school can win!

🎉 Individual & Class Prizes:

  • Resin participation prize

  • Pizza lunch with teacher (top 2 earners/class)

  • “Party-in-a-box” for top two grades (k-3 and 4-6), every class gets a party in a box with a classroom gift

  • Grade to grade and/or classroom challenges

🎈 Schoolwide Prizes:

  • PJ Day + Treat

  • "50% by First Friday" surprise event

🎟️ Raffle Prizes (60+):

  • Squishmallows, Labubus, LEGO-style kits, Minecraft goodies

🧮 New Raffle Ticket Distribution:

  • $50 = 1 ticket

  • $100 = 3 tickets

  • $200 = 8 tickets

(Higher amounts continue on this scale. Example: $400 = 16 tickets)

🎯 Raise $300+? You’re entered into the Grand Prize drawing and have a chance to win one of SIX GRAND PRIZES!

  • 1x iPad (10th Gen)

  • 3x $100 cash boxes

  • 1x Kindle Colorsoft

  • 1x Annual Family Pass for Phoenix Zoo or Arizona Science Museum

📬 Who Can I Contact With Questions?

Contact Erin, our Check-a-Thon Committee Chair:
📧 wga.pto@gmail.com

Prefects Needed

Prefects are volunteers who are given extra responsibilities. They are the true leaders who make this event a success! Check this page often and click to sign-up.

Chamber of Snapshots

View event highlights in the photo gallery!

A PTO community account is free and provides access to additional member resources.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

© 2024 by WGA PTO

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