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Need: In May 2003, the playground at Deborah's local elementary school was condemned, and a fundraising effort was initiated by the school PTO. The PTO wanted to get the word out more broadly, particularly to area businesses who might be interested in supporting construction efforts at the school. Solution: Deborah Ausman wrote a press release for the local community free paper describing the school's situation and the PTO's fundraising effort. The release was published in its entirety on the front page of the paper, where it was seen by a member of the local school board. Spurred by what she read, she contacted the district and ultimately helped secure $40,000 in bond money for playground construction at Herod. HISD CONDEMNS PLAYGROUND AT HEROD ELEMENTARY
HOUSTON, Texas—June 5, 2003—A barren stretch of pebbles, mud, and grass is all Herod Elementary students will have to play on when they return to school in August—unless funds can be raised from the community to pay for and install a new play structure. Safety issues forced HISD to remove Herod’s 12-year old playground equipment on June 4, 2003. HISD covered removal costs, but because resources at other district schools are scarcer than Herod’s, the district offered no funds to pay for new equipment. The decision galvanized Herod parents to organize an aggressive fundraising campaign just 10 days before the last day of school. “The response and support has been overwhelming,” says Gail Stalarow, who has chaired the drive. Over $1,000 in change was deposited in milk jugs by parents, students, and community members during the last week of school. In addition, the PTO is selling bricks and paving stones inscribed with the names of family members, students, and area businesses, which will become a permanent part of the playground area. In just two weeks, the school had received over $26,000 towards its new playground. But more funds are needed, says Stalarow, citing installation, fall surfaces, and landscaping as just some of the expenses associated with building the new play space. While Herod must order its equipment in the next two weeks, future development phases are already being discussed. Herod’s PTO has established a permanent playground improvement fund to cover these ongoing costs. Stalarow encourages area businesses to join with the other community-minded organizations that have purchased bricks and pavers to fund the playground—AIG (matching contribution), Bella Rinova Spa, Beauty First, Dr. Carl Bloom, Terry Cominsky/Karpas Realty, Crescent Real Estate, Family Tree Printing, Happy Tails Grooming, Old Hickory Inn, and My Workshop Picture Framing. “Your business name will be seen by students and families at Herod for at least the next 10 years,” says Stalarow. “And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made about 800 kids in your community very happy.” Businesses or individuals interested in contributing to the Herod Playground fund should contact Stalarow for details. Caption for photos: HISD removal crews took away Herod’s out-of-date playground equipment last week. Community funds will help the school rebuild before students return in August. |