All About Readathon

How can I help my child fundraise?

​

Tip 1: Help your student make a short video to explain the Readathon and to ask for support. Something short and sweet that you can quickly send via email, text, or social media.

​

Tip 2: You can use this copy for the email / text / social post to make it easier.

​

[Your student(s) first name] is participating in a Readathon January 6 – February 3, to raise money for [student name] school.  During this fundraiser month [student name] will read for hundreds of minutes, attend local author presentations and more! All to help fund the school library, reading resources, playground equipment, better teacher resources/education, etc. If you would like to donate, please click on [his/her] fundraising page: [insert URL(s) for student’s page].

​

Ideally, all donations will be made directly through 99Pledges, but cash or check donations are also accepted. If your child collects cash or check pledges, please complete the pledge form provided, and turn those donations in directly to the school office. Pledges can be made in a flat amount, or on a per minute of reading basis when made through 99Pledges. Flat donations are charged immediately and per minute pledges will be charged on January 29th, 2025 and/or upon completion of the number of minutes threshold set by the donor (whichever comes first).  All donations are due by February 3, 2025.

​

What is 99Pledges and why do we partner with them?

99Pledges is a website that helps many schools and community organizations to collect donations for their fundraising events. We like working with 99Pledges because it helps students reach a broader audience but removes the need for them to handle money. Students receive a custom link to their personal web page, which can be shared with friends and family to request donations.

 

What info does 99Pledges have about my student and what if I want to opt-out?
99Pledges will receive your child’s name, class, grade, and a family email address, but all information is confidential and will NOT be shared. There is a strict policy not to sell or distribute this information, or contact anyone beyond the scope of the Readathon. Cash donations collected are also entered and tracked online so we have a complete picture of the results of the event. Click here for more information about 99Pledges privacy policy.

​

What is the suggested donation amount?

While there is no suggested amount, we are hopeful that each student will do the best they can to raise as much money as they can for our school. Based on the $80,000 fundraising goal, we are hoping for each student to raise $175, or more.

​

Why is 99Pledges collecting a tip?

99Pledges offers their service to our school for free. To be able to maintain their platform for free to us, there is an optional donor tip. This tip goes to 99Pledges and is completely optional.

​

Can I customize my child’s participant page?

You can upload your child’s photo on the page!

​

Are my online payments secure?

Yes, the site is encrypted.  You should be able to see it at the top of the browser.  All traffic gets redirected from “http://” to “https://”, which encrypts it using SSL (same technology that banks use).

​

Is my donation tax-free?

Yes! The Neil Cummins PTO is a registered Section 501(c)3 nonprofit and donations qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. (Tax ID#36-4781717)

​

Can my child still collect donations the old-fashioned way? (Door-to-door)

Yes, but we prefer all donations to happen online. If your child does not have computer access or prefers to personally solicit donations, they will still have the traditional envelope option. Download and print our pledge sheet to begin cash or check collection. All donations due February 3, 2025.

​

Can I participate in corporate match?

Yes! Neil Cummins School Parent Teacher Organization (reg. 501(c)3 non-profit and our EIN Number 36-4781717

​

​