I hate school fundraisers...

Well, I don't hate helping the school out by kicking down some coin, either in the form of a check or attending some function where the net proceeds will go directily to the school. The biggest fund-raiser for our school is the sale of gift wrap and food items through 'Innisbrook' and I think 'Helen Grace' is the food company. The part that REALLY gripes me is the shit the kids can 'win' based on their sales. Get the kids all hyped up by dangling these carrots in front of them and then the parents look like schmucks for not letting their kids go door-to-door, or take them to work.

In our neighborhood, you can't swing a cat without hitting a house that has elementary school-aged children. Thats over 500 kids at our school with at least 90% living within the confines of our community. So, we took the order form to a family event. I only meant for my cousin and maybe aunt to buy something. My cousin asked her friends, who couldn't resist the young man's sales style (or big blue eyes with long eyelashes). Ugh! Auntie Janet still owes me $33 (who knew they'd need their checkbook at a baby christening party!). Today I put 50 miles on my car to deliver items. I had to get gas before I could leave the area, and my car needed to be washed. So, I pushed the "yes" button when the gas pump asked me if I wanted the 'Premium Wash' (how "premium" got to be defined as the cheapest wash, I do not know).

But nevermind all of that! I ended up spending a good part of the afternoon in the car! I made the mistake of being on auto-pilot and came home when I should have gone to Costco. The Boy was with me, and he wanted to go to Target. I had no plans for THAT, but I sure couldn't leave Target without spending $50!!!

So, in order for the school to get their $150 from our portion of the sales, I had to spend $20 in gas and carwash, $50 at Target, and lets just under-value my driving time ($12/hr and I was in the car just over 2hrs...so lets say that comes to $30). When you add all of that up (not counting the fundraising items I bought and can get waaaaaaaaaay cheaper someplace else - Target maybe?) I could have just written a check to the school for $150.00!!!

I think I'll do that next year instead.