To Boosterthon or Not Boosterthon... that is the question

I liked the Boosterthon Fun Run, but I'm against the new aged deceptive marketing/peer pressure technique they use.

It seems a lot of parents that are against fundraisers are also subjective to peer pressure.
I just donate what I can, IF I want to... that's that.

I tell my kids I'll buy them the prizes they see, if they get on Honor Roll... good motivator for them!

I will not go door-to-door or ask relatives for money.... I'll leave that job for the teachers.

If the teachers have to explain to someone why they didn't meet their financial goal, then that's part of their job with THEIR employer... this puts the pressure back on the teachers, they now have the option of cutting a check for missing portion, asking THEIR relatives for money or telling their employer they didn't make their goal... pretty simple to me.

I spend $150 per child, every year on supplies before the school year started, curriculum night was a ploy for more donations, each teacher is looking for more donations for their classes throughout the year... it's a non-stop money pit under the guise that if you don't do it, your kids will suffer.... this is total BS.

Boosterthon is very successful at raising money at the cost of our kids and the school:
- Boosterthon full-time employees come into the classrooms each day for 2 weeks checking for pledges and demanding 100% participation and $200 pledges. Several little kids on our block came home crying and/or had nightmares.
- Boosterthon staff acts like time is money and randomly interrupt classroom activities with no respect for what teachers are trying to do.
- GA PTA only cares about money, even if they only get half of what is raised. Question for the PTA: Does the means justify the end? What are you spending the money on, after helping to put little kids through this? Actual classroom materials or ice cream socials and t-shirts?
- School principals only care about pleasing the PTA so they get nominated for some PTA award, plus there are all sort of gift card rewards for the administration at the school.

I am concerned about the process in which my children's PTA is pushing for donations and money. This boosterthon pledge pressure has surmounted into my 6 yr old melting down nightly b/c he didn't get pledges or the kiddie prizes. I understand schools run tight ships with regarding to funding, but its a shame these kids are exposed to such money mongering pressures by adults. We donate goods directly to the classroom and feel we do our part along with paying property taxes (SC cars and house). Public schools need to focus on academics 95-100% of the 180 day schedule vs. wasting kids time on Boosterthon crud. Leave my kids alone!!! Go educate!!!