Move-a-Thon | happy-valley-pta

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WHAT IS THE MOVE-A-THON?

The Move-a-thon (formerly the FUN RUN) is a Happy Valley tradition!! Students participate in our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year by collecting flat donations from family, neighbors and friends and making a fitness goal for themselves during PE class. This year our theme is HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAPPY VALLEY! Students are invited to wear anything related to this Birthday and Happy Valley-inspired theme that is safe and fun while running, walking, or rolling around the school's 1/6 mile track.

The Move-a-Thon isn't just a fundraiser, it also provides ways for students to practice their team spirit, support each other and move their bodies! Trust us when we say they come home tired that day!
Last year the most laps a student ran was 25! The average is around 12 laps. Six laps= a mile! Students are encouraged to set their own goal.
Our goal is $45,000. That is about $200 per student whose family is able to donate. As one of the largest public elementary schools in Bellingham, it costs a lot to provide the extras that make our school so magical. We understand that not every family will be able to donate and that is OK! We are a community of families and we support each other.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE EVENT?

There are two parts to the Move-a-thon. The "race day" takes place on Friday, October 2nd, during the school day. Students are out on the field for about one hour each grade. The schedule (when available) will be listed below. The second part is the fundraising, during which we accept donations until 2 weeks after the race concludes, which is October 16th.

CAN I VOLUNTEER?

YES! Many volunteers are needed! Please make sure you are cleared through the district to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer when your student is on the field, look at the schedule below, then click the volunteer button above to see all the slots that are needed.

WHEN DOES MY STUDENT PARTICIPATE?

Friday, October 2nd during the school day, classes participates at the following times, going around the Happy Valley Track. All students participate in the activity, regardless of whether they collect any donations. This is a day of celebration and togetherness, highlighting our principled, caring learners.

8:15-9:15 - 3rd Grade

9:15-10:15 - Promise K/Kinder

10:15-11:15 - 4th Grade

11:15-12:15 - 1st Grade

12:15-1:15 - 2nd Grade

1:15-2:15 - 5th Grade

Mrs. Roselli's 3/4 class will be splitting up and going with their grades.

WHY IS THE MONEY NEEDED?

Bellingham Public Schools is facing roughly $7.5 million in budget challenges for 2026–27. This year, our librarian position has been eliminated, our school counselor has been reduced to half time, our 5th Grade Outdoor School Overnight has been placed on hold indefinitely. That’s why PTA dollars help fill that gap with field trips, teacher grants, STEAM resources, and experiences that make Happy Valley special. Nearly 50% of our families are already navigating financial stress, and last year, families requested $13,473 dollars in enrichment scholarships alone. Our community’s support matters more than ever!

HOW CAN I DONATE?

Donations are accepted until Friday, October 16th. Donations can be made online through your child's page on 99pledges, through Venmo, or dropped off or mailed to school.

ONLINE: Parents and Guardians who are on the PTA email list received an email with a link to each child’s 99Pledges.com online pledge page. (If you did not receive this page link, please email fundraising@happyvalleypta.com.) You do not need to login or change anything although you can upload a photo if you want. Make a donation for any amount and share your participant's link with friends and family. You can also simply search and find your child’s pledge page here (note that names are truncated to First Name, Last Initial for privacy). If your student isn't listed, you can add them!
VENMO: You can also VENMO (@happyvalleypta comment "move a thon - student name")
CASH OR CHECK: Can be dropped off or mailed to Happy Valley PTA, 1021 24th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Please put child's name in the check memo or enclose a note so your child can get credit!
NOTE: If you plan to donate a larger sum, please write a check or pay by VENMO so we don't incur additional fees through 99pledges. Your student will still get the credit on 99pledges!
TAX INFO: This organization is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent the law allows. Federal Tax ID # 91-1207767.
DEADLINE: The deadline for donations is October 16th. Of course, you are welcome to donate any time of the year that works for you, but we try to conclude the fundraising at the start of the year so we know what resources we have to distribute to the school.

WHAT IF WE DON'T MEET THE GOAL?

If we don't raise the budgeted amount of money, we will have to cut items out of our planned activities for the year. See the sidebar for all the activities this fundraiser supports.

CAN MY STUDENT PARTICIPATE IF I DON'T DONATE?

YES! The icing on the cake is that ALL students get to participate in the Move-a-thon and enjoy the prizes, celebration, and community spirit, no matter how much is raised, and we never single out students for the amounts they bring in, or do not.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Per our bylaws, 10% of funds raised by the Happy Valley PTA may be shared with other Bellingham schools based on the number of students in need as part of the "Elementary Partners Equity Project." This project acknowledges that each school has children in need and puts a greater emphasis on the schools with higher needs. Happy Valley PTA Members vote on this decision annually. If you would like to become part of the PTA which includes voting rights, join here.