Monticello School Foundation takes event online

     For over 30 years, the Monticello Community School Foundation has generously contributed funds toward the Monticello Community School District. The Foundation’s funds “supplement the school district’s ability to provide excellent opportunities for all students.”

     Just before the world shut down in March 2020, the Foundation hosted a successful Tailgate Party and Alumni Reunion. However, as COVID-19 continues to hang on, the Foundation board was forced to make alternative plans.

     Instead of an in-person dinner and auction, the Foundation will sell items and solicit donations online, beginning Monday, April 12. Not only can you purchase one of many great gift packages and items, but you can also donate toward a wish list item for the teachers of the MCSD, all online.

     It was last fall when the Foundation started meeting via Zoom, talking about the needs of the MCSD, that they realized they would not be able to have a full-blown in-person event.

     “The needs of the school have not ended,” said Foundation President Annette Smith. In fact, especially during a pandemic, those needs have increased.

     “Teachers have needs and expenses,” continued Smith, “outside of what the school budget can fund. And those expenses have gone up. We want them to know we still have their back.”

     With taking things online, the Foundation formed a technology committee, which consists of Jon Kyte, Brian Gogel, and Terry Smothers.

     “Jon took the lead on this,” praised Smith.

     Kyte did some research into the best option for the Foundation, “steeling” ideas from other school districts in terms of how they conducted school fundraisers during COVID.

     “School events and fundraisers were all greatly impacted,” Smith said.

     The Foundation worked together to come up with the best format to sell auction-type items online to keep the money flowing in.

     So on April 12, the public can visit www.signupgenius.com/go/MonticelloCommunitySchoolFoundation and purchase multiple items or donate to fulfill a teacher’s wish list. The link will be posted to the Foundation’s Facebook page, as well as the MCSD website.

     “The items are on a first-come-first-served basis,” explained Kyte.

     Unlike an auction where people bid against one another, Sign Up Genius will offer the suggested value of the items. Those who offer that amount or higher will the first to take it home.

     “It’s one and done,” added Foundation member Kathy Harms, meaning the first to offer the best offer is the lucky winner.

     “You can always donate more,” urged Kyte.

     The site will only be live for two weeks, so be sure to make sure donations and purchases fast.

     You also donate directly to the Foundation at www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=KSCJCG4TNUYL2 or by sending a check to P.O. Box 2, Monticello, IA 52310-0002.

     Kyte is also working to ITS (Infrastructure Technology Solutions) in Monticello to develop a website for the Foundation.

     “This is a future endeavor,” he said. “It’ll be a way for the Foundation to reach out to alumni (and vice versa) for support and donations.”

     Several businesses have individuals have donated items that will be up for sale on April 12, including:

     • A pie a month

     • Tickets to the Great Jones County Fair

     • Half of a half of beef (available in June)

     • A pontoon dinner cruise

     • A TV

     • Various gift baskets

     • Jewelry

     • Passes to sit/stand on the sidelines of Dean Nelson Field during a football game

     • And so much more

     Those items are currently on display in the window at 109 W. First St. (Citizens State Bank property).

     “We have a nice variety of 15 to 20 items,” noted Smith.

     Throughout the two weeks the site will be live, pictures of the items and teachers’ wish lists will also be posted on the Foundation’s Facebook page.

     “This year, especially, our teachers need a lot of support,” encouraged Harms, a retired educator.

     Smith said while businesses and groups of friends might purchase a table at the tailgate party, instead, this year, consider donating that same amount to the Foundation.

     Last year, the Tailgate Party and Alumni Reunion brought in between $34,000 and $35,000.

     “We hope to come close this year,” Smith said. “We’ll take as much as the community can give.”

     The Foundation noted that 2020 and continuing into 2021, businesses and individuals have been hit hard by the pandemic.

     In March 2022, the Foundation is anxiously waiting to bring back the in-person tailgate event, bigger and better than ever.

     The Foundation is always looking for people to get involved, including with the new technology committee. If you have questions about the online purchasing process or wish to have the link emailed to you, contact Kyte at jon.kyte@monticello.k12.ia.us.