Breakfast to raise funds for further technology needs, student scholarships

Published 10:05 pm Friday, November 9, 2018

St. Theodore Catholic School is offering pancakes to the community Sunday in hopes of offering more to students in the upcoming year.

In cooperation with the walkathon fundraiser the school hosted in September, money raised by the pancake breakfast will go toward purchasing a technology cart for computers, a smartboard, supplemental curriculum items and repairs toward playground fencing.

“Last year we were really successful with technology and we were able to get Chromebooks and iPads, and this year, you know, we’re looking for a little bit more of that structure to … keep some of that investment safe,” parent and breakfast co-coordinator Erin Haag said.

Email newsletter signup

Anything raised beyond those costs will be used to offer student scholarships, Haag said.

“That’s where these fundraisers are so important,” she said.

St Theodore Catholic School principal Sue Amundson said the school gave out approximately $25,000 in scholarships to help families this school year.

Volunteer Rachel Poppel helps serve at last year’s pancake breakfast. – Provided

Last year’s breakfast, staffed by volunteer parents, served between 350 and 400 people and brought in over $8,500 through ticket sales and donations.

Money raised at this year’s breakfast will be added to the $12,000 raised from the walkathon. However, Haag said that money will quickly be spent on technology costs and installation. The pancake breakfast will help the school meet other goals, Amundson said, including the playground fencing and scholarships as well as a potential fund for tech replacement, should devices be damaged.

“This is our dream for the whole year,” Haag said.

More corporate partners stepped up this year to help fund that dream, including Kjors Construction, Bonnerup Funeral Service, Savelkoul Law Office, MarketPlace Foods, Ben Bartelt State Farm Insurance and Hormel. These new partners — as well as continuing sponsors like Hy-Vee, Ron Holtan Realty and Walmart — mean funds raised from the pancake breakfast go straight into the profit margin, Haag said.

Because the breakfast will be on Veterans Day, the event will incorporate a celebration of veterans. The theme is a continuation of conversations students had around the Third of July Parade, Haag said.

“It’s an opportunity for more conversations on what are the veterans and how do they help our country?” she said.

Community members are also encouraged to participate in thanking a vet by purchasing an extra ticket, which will be offered to a veteran for a free breakfast on behalf of the community.

“It’s a great way for community members to support our school and recognize our veterans at the same time,” Haag said.

 

If you go:

What: Third annual pancake breakfast

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: St. Theodore Catholic School

How much: $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and under, children 3 and under eat free

About Sarah Kocher

Sarah covers education and arts and culture for the Tribune.

email author More by Sarah