Roanoke Elementary raises over $300 for United Way with annual pumpkin decorating contest
Roanoke Elementary School hosted its fourth annual pumpkin decorating contest fundraiser last week, with 100% of the proceeds raised—a total of $322.21—going to United Way of Huntington County.
Voting for the contest took place on Friday at Roanoke Elementary during lunch, and upon the final tally, Roanoke teacher Marissa Tinkle’s “Princess Poppy” pumpkin was deemed the winner. Tinkle’s victorious pumpkin was designed to resemble Princess Poppy from Disney’s “Trolls” film, complete with a pink face and multi-colored hair.
The contest voting is conducted by students bringing in spare change to use to vote for their favorite pumpkin. Tinkle’s “Princess Poppy” racked up $46.14 in donations to headline the entries.
The pumpkin decorating contest is organized each year by members of the Roanoke Elementary School Caring and Sharing Committee.
“We are so grateful for our Roanoke Caring and Sharing Committee, as they have started this fun tradition that allows our staff members to show off their hidden talents while we support the United Way,” Roanoke Elementary Principal Jami Craft said. “This contest incorporates life skills that we at Roanoke strive to instill in our students. We want them to believe in what they do and work hard to accomplish it. The staff members that created the pumpkins did just that by believing in themselves and using their creativeness to make their pumpkin. Students then used respect and kindness as they voted for their pumpkin while knowing that the money they gave would go back to help others.”
Roanoke’s contest has grown over the years, boasting 18 pumpkins this year, whereas the inaugural contest featured 10 pumpkins. One exciting addition was made to the contest this year, as Roanoke students could enter their name into a drawing to take home a decorated pumpkin. Half of the 18 entrants were donated by the staff designers for the drawing, resulting in nine students going home happy with a piece of artistic produce.
United Way of Huntington County President and CEO Kyle Metzger was grateful to receive the donation from Roanoke and appreciates the relationship Roanoke and his organization have established.
“Any time one of our workplaces, schools or businesses decides to do an event, it not only raises money for important programs in Huntington County, but it helps energize our community,” Metzger said. “The more engagement, the better! We have always enjoyed a special relationship with HCCSC. Events like this are more important than we can even express!”
Metzger also noted Roanoke Elementary has donated over $3,000 to United Way of Huntington County over the past five years through a number of special events such as the pumpkin decorating contest.
Roanoke Elementary also recognized its Roanoke Rockstar winners for the month of October on Friday, as fifth graders Aubrey Tyler and Ellie Kiefer and staff members Megan Eller and Ron Goetz took home the monthly honors.