$31,000 Raised for New School Playground So Far

Nearly 1,200 excited Chattahoochee Elementary School students participated in Fun & Fitness Friday Oct. 14 to celebrate culmination of a campaign to raise $50,000 for new playground equipment. After nearly three weeks of fundraising, students at the Duluth school raised more than $31,000.

The special day included Zumba exercise sessions, hula hoop contests, three-legged and relay races, and mini-triathlons. To keep their energy levels up, students ate healthy fruit snacks provided by the school cafeteria.

“This year, our goal is to keep raised funds within the school to build a new playground for the students,” said Wyndy Taylor, co-chair of the Fun & Fitness fundraiser. “While in previous years almost 50 percent of monies were leaving the school to pay a fundraising company, we had to see what we could do on our own. We’ve committed thousands of volunteer hours in an effort to keep the funds in-house. It will result in greater benefits to our CES children.”  

Students have collected money through car washes, cupcake and popcorn sales at the Duluth Fall Festival, door to door, and by donating birthday money and allowances from doing extra chores. Teachers and even new students gave generously for the playground.

Used daily by the 1,200 students, the over 20-year-old playground area is in need of updates and new equipment. “Each year the PTA runs a fundraiser to enhance the learning and or fitness experience for students,” said Principal Jeff Lee. “In previous years, donations have provided Mimeo technology in all classrooms, a sport court for the gym, and an outdoor track.“

“Times are tough, but the students and their families rallied together to make this huge event a success,” said PTA Co-President Elizabeth Wanzor, “and we are thrilled in this first-year effort to have raised over $31,000 so far. We also had many other successes and learning opportunities with the children, teaching them about health, and how they may incorporate fitness into their daily lives. We still have work to be done and will keep our efforts strong until we can get these children a grand playground."

Individuals or businesses who want to contribute to the playround fund may send donations to Chattahoochee Elementary School c/o Playground for the Kids, 2930 Albion Farm Road, Duluth, GA 30097.

“Our Wildcat family at Chattahoochee is comprised of students and their families, a hard-working PTA, generous community sponsors and an amazing group of staff, teachers and District II PTA Principal of the Year Jeff Lee, said PTA Co-Vice President Lauren Bishof. “We will continue in our efforts to provide fun and enriching fitness events for our students, while seeking to endow the school with necessary playground equipment and updates.”

The school’s fundraising efforts were supported by Stone Mountain Park, Canopy Tours of Lake Lanier, BrandonRushin.com, McDonald’s, Luv for Art, Chocolate Perks, Burger King, Publix, A Limo Night, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Costco, Gwinnett Gladiators, Dave & Buster’s, Swim Atlanta, Yoga North Atlanta, Chick-fil-A, Stevie B’s Pizza, Target, ZFitnessStudio.com, Laser Quest, El Porton, Ultimate Gymnastics, Lango of Duluth, New Dawn Theater, Nail Salon 1st, The School Box, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Steverino’s Pizza, ProvisionRx,  Gordo’s , Pirate’s Cove Mini-Golf, and other businesses.