Organizing a community event that brings families together while supporting a great cause is always a rewarding experience. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting a PTO fundraiser for General Wayne Elementary School in Malvern, PA. Held at the picturesque Valley Creek Park, this event featured family portrait mini sessions that spanned over two days. With 24 families participating, each enjoyed a dedicated 10-minute session, capturing cherished memories and receiving two professionally edited photos. This initiative not only provided beautiful family portraits but also successfully raised $1200 for the school’s PTO, highlighting the power of community spirit and collaboration.

Planning the PTO Fundraiser

I approached the General Wayne PTO with the idea of a photo PTO fundraiser with a simple but meaningful goal: to support the General Wayne Elementary School PTO in their efforts to enhance the educational experience for students, while bringing something of value to the families that they serve. As a Malvern family photographer and a volunteer at my children’s own school, I love being able to combine two of my biggest joys while working with local schools to raise money for their kids.

Coordinating with the General Wayne Elementary School PTO was the first crucial step. Their board’s enthusiasm and support were instrumental in bringing the PTO fundraiser to life. We discussed various ideas and logistics, ultimately deciding that spring photos at Valley Creek Park would be a hit. My short mini sessions would allow many families to participate without taking up too much of their time, making it an appealing option for busy parents during the height of the spring sport season.

Choosing Valley Creek Park in Malvern as the location was an easy decision. The park’s scenic beauty and incredible historic stone house provided the perfect backdrop for family portraits, offering a natural and relaxed setting. Its convenient location made it accessible for all participating families, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

With the concept and location set, the next step was organizing the event details. We scheduled the sessions over two days to accommodate as many families as possible while ensuring each session remained personal and unhurried. Each family would receive a 10-minute mini session, during which I aimed to capture their unique personalities and connections. Promoting the PTO fundraiser involved spreading the word through the school’s communication channels, social media, and community networks. Additionally, I created a Facebook Event (some of us Millennials still love them!) and shared the event in Facebook groups where I am a sponsored vendor. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 24 families signing up to participate—completely selling out the event! The excitement and anticipation built up as the event days approached, and we were ready to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Execution of the PTO Fundraiser

The execution of the photo PTO fundraiser at Valley Creek Park was a fun, stress-free, heartwarming experience spread over two days. Each day brought its own unique moments and challenges, contributing to the overall success of the event.

The first day of the PTO fundraiser dawned with surprisingly cold weather for late April! Sessions were scheduled for the morning until about noon, so I bundled up and met families at the designated location. As their family photographer, I focused on making each session enjoyable and relaxed. We played with different poses and natural interactions, capturing the genuine connections between family members and keeping kids moving, happy, and warm. The natural beauty of Valley Creek Park provided an ever-changing backdrop, with each session offering unique photo opportunities.

As if to apologize for the first day’s weather, day two met us with unseasonably warm temperatures for the afternoon sessions! We continued the positive momentum, with even more families arriving to participate. Throughout the afternoon, I played, laughed, and got to know amazing General Wayne families while capturing their sweet family moments together.

Throughout both days, the feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive. Many appreciated the convenience and efficiency of the 10-minute mini sessions, allowing them to fit the photo shoot into their busy schedules. Parents commented on how much their children enjoyed the experience, making the sessions not just a photo opportunity but a fun family outing. One parent shared, “We loved the entire experience! The park was beautiful, and the session was quick and easy. We can’t wait to see the photos!” Another family remarked on how great it was to have a professional family portrait taken while supporting the school.

Overall, the execution of the PTO fundraiser was a testament to careful planning, community support, and a shared commitment to a worthy cause. The successful completion of the event not only raised significant funds for the General Wayne Elementary School PTO but also created lasting memories for the participating families.

Outcome and Impact

The photo PTO fundraiser at Valley Creek Park was a resounding success, both in terms of financial support for the General Wayne Elementary School PTO and the positive experiences shared by the participating families.

The primary goal of the PTO fundraiser was to support the General Wayne Elementary School PTO, and we are thrilled to announce that we raised $1200 over the two-day event. This substantial amount was made possible by the enthusiastic participation of 24 families, each contributing to the cause by booking their mini sessions. The funds raised will go directly to the PTO, aiding in various initiatives and programs that benefit the students and the school community. The $1200 raised through the PTO fundraiser will have a significant impact on the PTO’s efforts. These funds will help support a range of activities and resources, including educational programs, classroom supplies, school events, and extracurricular activities. The PTO plays a crucial role in enhancing the school experience for students, and the success of this PTO fundraiser will enable them to continue their valuable work.

Personal Reflections on the Success of the PTO Fundraiser

Reflecting on the PTO fundraiser, I feel equally proud and grateful. The event exceeded our expectations, not only in terms of the funds raised but also in the sense of community it fostered. Seeing families come together, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Valley Creek Park, and capturing cherished memories was incredibly rewarding.

The collaboration with the General Wayne Elementary School PTO was seamless, and their support was instrumental in the success of the event. The volunteers who helped with the logistics ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing me to focus on creating beautiful portraits for each family.

Creating Lasting Memories

One of the most gratifying aspects of the PTO fundraiser was the opportunity to create lasting memories for the participating families. The feedback we received highlighted how much the families valued their photos and the experience. The images captured during the mini sessions will serve as treasured keepsakes, reminding them of this special event and the positive impact it had on their community.

Community Spirit and Collaboration

The success of the PTO fundraiser underscored the power of community spirit and collaboration. The enthusiastic participation of the families, the dedication of the PTO, and the support of the volunteers all contributed to making this event a triumph. It was a testament to what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

In conclusion, the photo PTO fundraiser at Valley Creek Park was a heartwarming and impactful event. It brought families together, raised essential funds for the General Wayne Elementary School PTO, and created beautiful memories for everyone involved. I look forward to future opportunities to support our community through similar initiatives and continue making a positive difference.

See you next time!

xoxo

Check out more detailed information about Photography Fundraisers with Taylor Verner Photography

Is a Photography Fundraiser right for your school?