The Foundation at PCK: FAQs

The Foundation at PCK is a 509(a)(3) non-profit organization created to support PCK in important ways that go beyond the regular school budget. Its main purpose is to raise money to help fund school programs, teacher grants, and facility improvements that are not covered by the school's annual finances.

This means The Foundation helps pay for things like special learning experiences, classroom tools, upgraded equipment, and improvements to the school building or grounds—things that make a big difference for students and teachers but aren’t part of the school’s standard budget.

The Foundation at PCK is a non-profit organization that plays a unique and important role in supporting our school. While there are several school organizations that help build community and enhance the student experience, The Foundation’s main focus is raising money specifically for educational programs and capital improvement projects that are not included in the school’s regular annual budget.

Unlike other parent organizations that may plan community events, support classroom parties, or boost staff morale, The Foundation is fully dedicated to funding larger, long-term needs—like technology upgrades, teacher grants, curriculum enhancements, and improvements to school facilities. These are often big expenses that the school wouldn’t be able to afford without extra support.

Although The Foundation does host fun community fundraising events, such as the PCK Fund Run, these events serve a bigger purpose: to directly benefit the students educational experiences at PCK. Every dollar raised is carefully used to improve the quality of education and the learning environment.

In short, The Foundation at PCK is different because its primary mission is financial support for the school’s most important educational and infrastructure needs—going beyond what the regular school budget can provide.

The Foundation at PCK takes great care in deciding how the money raised through events and donations is used. All funds are allocated to specific projects that have been discussed and agreed upon by the PCK Board, the school leadership, and The Foundation Board. This ensures that every dollar goes toward meaningful improvements that directly benefit the school community.

Some examples of how these funds are used include:

• Classroom resources that help enhance learning and support teachers in delivering high-quality education
• Technology updates such as new computers, software, or digital tools that improve student learning and keep PCK current with modern education standards
• Security upgrades that help keep students, staff, and visitors safe while on campus
• Other educational and capital improvement initiatives, which can include things like new furniture, updated equipment, or improvements to the school building and facilities

All of these projects go beyond what the school’s regular budget can cover. By carefully planning and prioritizing these investments, The Foundation ensures that the money raised is used in the most effective and impactful way possible. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the overall learning environment and support the success of every student and staff member at PCK.

The Foundation at PCK organizes several major fundraising events each year to help support important programs, classroom needs, and school improvement projects that are not covered by the regular school budget. Currently, The Foundation hosts three key events:

• Fund Run – This is a fun, high-energy event held early in the school year. Students collect donations from friends and family, then participate in a run during the school day. It promotes school spirit, encourages physical activity, and brings the whole school community together, all while raising money for important school needs.
• Annual Giving Campaign – This campaign focuses on direct donations from families, community members, and local businesses. It’s a simple but powerful way to raise funds without hosting an event. The money raised goes directly toward educational resources, teacher support, and improvements to the school.
• PCK Gala & Auction – The Gala is a more formal, adults-only event that includes dinner, entertainment, and both live and silent auctions. Guests can bid on items or experiences, with all proceeds going to support the school. It’s a fun night out for parents and community supporters, and it plays a big role in meeting The Foundation's fundraising goals.

Each of these events serves a unique purpose, but all of them share one goal: to raise money that helps make PCK the best it can be for students, teachers, and the entire school community.

There are several ways to get involved with The Foundation at PCK and make a difference in the school community. Whether you have time to volunteer, want to donate, or are looking for a way to contribute your skills, there’s a place for everyone to help support the school.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer at Events – The Foundation hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, such as the Fund Run and the PCK Gala & Auction. Volunteers are always needed to help with planning, setup, event-day support, and clean-up. It’s a great way to be part of the school community and meet other families.
• Donate – Whether monetary or goods and services, donations are a major part of how The Foundation is able to fund educational programs, classroom needs, and school improvements. Whether you give a little or a lot, every donation counts and directly supports PCK students and staff.
• Participate in Fundraising Activities – Taking part in events like the Fund Run or the Annual Giving Campaign helps raise money and builds school spirit. Encouraging friends and family to donate to, sponsor, or volunteer at fundraising events is a simple way to contribute.
• Join The Foundation Board – For those interested in taking on a leadership role, The Foundation’s board offers the chance to help plan events, manage fundraising goals, and decide how funds are used. Board members work closely with school leadership to make a lasting impact on the future of PCK.

No matter how you choose to get involved, your time and support help The Foundation continue its mission to provide extra resources, opportunities, and improvements that benefit the entire school.

There are several ways you can donate to The Foundation at PCK, and every contribution—big or small—helps support the students, teachers, and programs that make our school great.

Here’s how you can donate:

• Online Donations – The easiest way to give is by making a cash donation online through our "Donate" tab. It’s quick, secure, and available anytime. You can choose the amount you’d like to give, and your donation goes directly toward funding school programs, classroom resources, and improvement projects.
• Donate by Check – If you prefer not to donate online, we also accept checks made out to The Foundation at PCK. Checks can be dropped off at the school or mailed in. This is another great way to support the school without using a credit or debit card.
• Silent Auction Donations – In the spring, The Foundation hosts the PCK Gala & Auction, one of our biggest fundraising events of the year. You can help by donating goods, services, or experiences to be included in the auction. Popular items include gift baskets, business services, event tickets, vacation packages, and more. These donations raise money while also promoting local businesses and talents.

Whether you donate money, time, or items, your support helps fund educational tools, teacher grants, and facility upgrades that go beyond what the school’s regular budget can provide. Every donation makes a difference—and we truly appreciate your support.

When you donate to The Foundation at PCK, your gift is tax-deductible because The Foundation is a registered non-profit organization. This means that the money, goods, or services you give may reduce the amount of income tax you owe, depending on your personal financial situation and current tax laws.

All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and The Foundation will provide you with a receipt for your records, upon request. This receipt includes important information you may need when filing your taxes, including the donation amount and The Foundation’s official tax identification number.

The Foundation at PCK Tax ID: 84-1477805

Whether you donate online, by check, or contribute items to the annual auction, your generosity not only supports the school—it may also benefit you at tax time. Be sure to consult with your tax advisor or accountant to understand how your donation may apply to your personal tax return.

The Foundation at PCK takes the responsibility of managing donated funds seriously. To make sure all money is handled carefully and transparently, the Board of Directors includes a parent volunteer who serves as the treasurer. This person helps track donations, expenses, and how funds are used to support the school.

To keep the school community informed, The Foundation shares updates through newsletters and on our official website. These updates include information about how much money was raised, what it will be used for, and how it will benefit PCK students, teachers, and facilities.

If you ever want more detailed information, you can contact The Foundation directly to request specific reports about funds raised during a certain event, like the Fund Run or Gala & Auction. We believe in being open and honest with our community, so families can see the real impact of their support.

By keeping accurate records and communicating regularly, The Foundation ensures that every donation is used wisely and goes toward making PCK an even better place to learn and grow.

Becoming a sponsor with The Foundation at PCK is a great way to support our school while also gaining positive exposure for your business or organization. We offer sponsorship opportunities for two of our biggest fundraising events: the PCK Fund Run and the PCK Gala & Auction.

As a sponsor, you will receive recognition in event materials, such as signage, flyers, and programs, as well as a spotlight in our newsletter. This means your name or logo will be seen by hundreds of families, staff members, and community supporters—showing that you care about education and the success of our school.

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, there are two easy ways to get more information:

• Email us directly at: [email protected]
• Visit our website and click on the “Sponsorship” tab to see current opportunities and benefits.

Sponsorships help make our events successful and provide valuable resources for students and teachers. Whether you’re a local business owner, a family supporter, or part of a larger company, your sponsorship can make a big difference at PCK!

The money raised by The Foundation at PCK is carefully managed and overseen by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. This group is made up of parent volunteers who are committed to making sure every dollar is used in the best possible way to support our school.

The Board of Directors is responsible for deciding how the funds are allocated and distributed. They work closely with school leadership to understand what the most important needs are—whether it’s new classroom supplies, technology updates, safety improvements, or other educational projects.

One of the Board’s most important jobs is to ensure transparency and accountability. That means they keep detailed records, review budgets, and regularly share updates with the school community so donors and families can see exactly how their contributions are making a difference.

By carefully managing the funds and staying focused on the school’s priorities, The Foundation’s Board of Directors helps make sure that the money raised truly benefits the students, teachers, and overall learning environment at PCK.

The Foundation at PCK is a non-profit organization that operates independently from the school. This means it has its own Board of Directors and makes its own decisions about how to raise and manage funds. However, even though it operates separately, its only purpose is to support PCK—the school is the Foundation’s sole beneficiary.

The Foundation works closely with the school’s leadership to understand PCK’s most important needs and priorities. This partnership helps ensure that the money raised by the Foundation is used in ways that have the biggest impact—like funding classroom resources, teacher grants, technology upgrades, and school improvement projects that are not covered by the regular school budget.

While the Foundation is not officially part of the school’s staff or administration, both groups are deeply connected through shared goals: improving education, supporting students and teachers, and making PCK the best it can be.

The Foundation at PCK typically hosts three main fundraising events each school year, with each event focusing on different goals to support the school’s needs. These events are spaced throughout the year and are carefully planned to help raise money for educational programs, classroom resources, and school improvements that are not covered by the regular school budget.

Here are the three main events:

(These are the typical events that The Foundation holds each year. Events may change from one year to the next depending on changes in community interest or lack of volunteer involvement.) 

• Fund Run – This high-energy event usually takes place within the first six weeks of school. It’s a fun way for students to get involved by collecting pledges and running laps to raise money. The Fund Run focuses on building school spirit while typically supporting immediate classroom and student needs.
• Annual Giving Campaign – This campaign typically happens during the fall or winter. It encourages families and community members to make direct donations to the school. The goal is to raise money in a simple, straightforward way—without hosting a large event.
• PCK Gala & Auction – This formal event takes place in the spring and includes both silent and live auctions. It’s one of the biggest fundraising opportunities of the year and typically helps fund larger, long-term goals like capital improvements or major technology upgrades.

Each of these events plays an important role in helping The Foundation meet specific fundraising goals that benefit PCK students, teachers, and the overall learning environment. By spreading them out across the school year, The Foundation is able to keep the community engaged and continuously support the school’s success.

You don’t need to have children currently attending PCK to support the school and be part of its success. The Foundation at PCK proudly welcomes involvement from alumni, local businesses, and community members who want to make a positive impact.

If you're not a parent at the school, the best ways to participate in our fundraising events are through sponsorships and donations:

• Sponsorships – Local businesses, organizations, or individuals can become event sponsors for major fundraisers like the Fund Run or the PCK Gala & Auction. Sponsors receive recognition on event materials, on our website, and at the events themselves, making it a great opportunity to show your support while also promoting your business or cause.
• Donations – Anyone can make a financial contribution to The Foundation at PCK. All donations help fund educational programs, teacher grants, facility improvements, and more. We also accept donated items, services, or experiences for our auction events.

Your support—whether through a sponsorship, financial gift, or auction donation—directly benefits the students and staff at PCK, helping to create a stronger, more enriched learning environment.

Even if you don’t have a direct connection to the school right now, your involvement still makes a real difference. PCK is part of the larger community, and we’re grateful for everyone who chooses to support its mission.

Many companies offer something called a matching gift program, which means they will match the donations their employees make to non-profit organizations—sometimes even doubling or tripling the original amount. This is a great way to make your donation to The Foundation at PCK go even further without any extra cost to you.

To find out if your company offers donation matching, follow these steps:

• Check with Your Employer – Ask someone in your company’s Human Resources (HR) or Payroll department if a matching gift program is available. Some companies also have this information listed on their employee website or benefits portal.
• Get the Required Forms or Information – If your company does match donations, they will usually have a form for you to fill out or an online process to follow. This might include submitting proof of your donation and providing information about The Foundation at PCK.
• Submit the Paperwork – Complete the necessary form and send it to your company or upload it to their donation matching system. You may need to provide The Foundation at PCK’s name and Tax ID (84-1477805).
• We’ll Do the Rest – Once your employer approves the match, they will send the matching donation directly to The Foundation at PCK.

Among the fundraising events organized by The Foundation at PCK, the Fund Run is the one that is specifically designed to involve and engage students.

The Fund Run is a student-focused program that takes place early in the school year and encourages all students to get involved. In the weeks leading up to the event, students are invited to raise money by collecting pledges and donations from family, friends, and community members. Then, on the day of the event, students participate by running, walking, or jogging laps on the school field during their assigned time slot.

This event is not only a major fundraiser for the school, but also a fun way for students to build school spirit, practice teamwork, and feel proud of helping their school community. While other fundraising efforts like the Annual Giving Campaign and the PCK Gala & Auction are geared more toward adults, the Fund Run is all about student participation and excitement.

Through the Fund Run, students learn the importance of giving back, setting goals, and working together to support something bigger than themselves—all while having fun and staying active.

The Foundation at PCK welcomes new members who are excited to support our school and make a positive impact in the community. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Board Member or simply want to volunteer your time, there are several ways to get involved.

• Become a Board Member - If you’re interested in taking a leadership role with The Foundation, the best way to start is by attending our meetings. This gives you a chance to see how we operate, learn about our goals, and get to know the team. From there, you can start helping with the planning of one of our major fundraising events, like the Fund Run or the Gala & Auction.

• Volunteer with The Foundation - If you’re not ready to join the Board, you can still play an important role as a parent volunteer. The Foundation often needs help with events, setup, communications, and more. Volunteer opportunities come up throughout the year, and your time and skills can make a big difference.

Volunteering is also a great way to meet other families, support your child’s school, and learn more about what The Foundation does.

(Don't forget, as a PCK family you made a commitment to volunteer 20 hours every year.)

Whether you join the Board or volunteer at events, being part of The Foundation at PCK is a rewarding way to support students, teachers, and the entire school community.

We’d love to have you on our team!

The Foundation at PCK values respectful input from parents, alumni, staff, and community members. If you have ideas for fundraising, school improvements, or ways to better support our students and teachers, we would love to hear from you!

Here are a few ways you can share your ideas:

• Attend a Foundation Meeting
  Our meetings are open to the PCK community, and attending is a great way to get involved and share your thoughts in person. You’ll also get to learn more about what we’re working on and how your idea might fit into our goals.
• Email Us Directly
  You can always send your ideas to us by email at [email protected]. Be as detailed as possible so we can fully understand your suggestion and how it could benefit PCK.
• Talk to a Board Member
  If you know someone who serves on the Foundation Board, feel free to talk to them directly. They can bring your idea to the group and help explain it during a meeting.
• Volunteer and Get Involved
  Sometimes the best way to bring your ideas to life is to be part of the planning process. By volunteering with The Foundation, you’ll have more opportunities to share your ideas and help turn them into action.

Whether your idea is big or small, new or improved, your voice matters. The Foundation at PCK is here to serve the school community, and your ideas help us grow and improve.