Drive for Schools, Santa Cruz County’s largest school fundraiser, kicked off its 11th year on Wednesday, Sept. 16 and continues through Oct. 18. Volunteers from more than 70 schools in Santa Cruz County will coordinate ticket sales, giving the community an opportunity to win a new car, cash or 100 other prizes.
This year’s Grand Prize winner may choose $25,000 in cash or a new car (Toyota Prius or Subaru Outback) donated by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola Auto Mall Dealer Group. Dozens of other valuable prizes are donated by local businesses. The Boardwalk and Auto Dealer Group are also donating ten $1,000 cash prizes.
Each school keeps all the money they raise selling tickets with no overhead costs. Schools receive everything they need including tickets, posters, prizes and support, making the fundraiser easy for school volunteers to administer.
“Drive for Schools is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Soquel High School,” according to principal Gail Atlansky. “It benefits our teachers and athletic programs. We are so appreciative and hope the Drive for Schools program continues!”
New this year, trophies will be awarded to schools in four categories (high school, junior high, elementary and spirit) for raising the most money. Winning schools will hold their trophy for a year.
Drive for Schools has raised $3.4 million dollars for local schools since 2005. Last year, 74 schools raised more than $567,821. The leading fundraiser was Soquel High School, which brought in $40,888. Other big earners were Tierra Pacifica Charter School ($25,125), Valencia Elementary ($23,474) and Good Shepherd Catholic ($21,856). Schools use Drive for Schools income for art, music, and sports programs as well as field trips, science camp, and classroom supplies.
The public can purchase tickets beginning Sept. 16 for $5 each or $25 for 6. Ticket sales end Oct. 18. Drive for Schools ticket stubs include a coupon to park free at the Boardwalk for the prize drawing at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25. Winners need not be present to win.
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Visit www.beachboardwalk.com/driveforschools for a list of participating schools, prizes, rules and ticket information.