Cents in Action: 'Thank Ya, Thank Ya Very Much'
Cents in Action: Guest blog post by Mary Elizabeth Washburn (Downtown Elementary Optional School - Memphis, TN)
Mary Elizabeth was able to raise over $1,300 in a short amount of time with her first cause on PledgeCents! We want to highlight her experience on PledgeCents with her raw feedback in the form of a guest post.
I teach Elementary Orff Music at Downtown Elementary in legendary Memphis, Tn. Almost every student at my school, PK-5th grade, visits my classroom once a week for an engaging, exciting and educational musical experience. Located in the heart of Memphis, which is the home of the blues and the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll, we have high expectations for our student’s musical output. For our students to achieve these high expectations, they have to have access to high quality materials and technology.
This is why I needed a new classroom desktop computer. Though every classroom at Downtown Elementary had been graciously equipped with awesome smartboards, my 6 year old computer was not equipped with the technology needed to operate my my smartboard. It was so disappointing for me and my students that we could not take full advantage of the technology we had been given. Without compatible technology, I could not utilize my smartboard effectively, I could not even plan to use it in a lesson because the computer was so unreliable. Plainly said, our students were missing out on the amazing resources out there for music education, simply because our classroom computer was too old. But where was I going to get $1,300 for a new computer?
It was pure serendipity when a PledgeCents representative came and presented at our faculty meeting soon after about crowd sourcing funds for our classrooms. I understood the concept, in fact I had used Donors Choose before, but I knew it was a big ask to get to $1,300, and if you do not meet your goal you don’t receive any funds at all. This is what delighted me about Pledgecents, even if you do not raise every dime, you still get to keep your money! That means you are allowed a plan B, or to save up. It was perfect.
I registered my project that very night. The fundraising started with a bang, $300 in 4 days!, But, being a teacher I got distracted from my project and shifted my focus to my classroom. So a month went by and there were no investors.When I realized this, I felt discouraged, I hadn’t shared enough, I hadn’t written my proposal well enough, etc. Thankfully, the PledgeCents team was on my side. They were looking out for me and there to encourage me when I felt I had failed. They gave me tips and support to get my cause out there again. And within ten days, right before my deadline, I was FULLY FUNDED! Not just funded, I went over! It was absolutely amazing.
The check was at my school within the week. I could not believe how easy it had been.
My new computer is amazing. It works seamlessly with the smartboard and came with new programs for my students to explore and create with.
Currently they are having a blast rocking our to chrome music lab, which literally wouldn't even load on my previous computer.
Here they are are CREATING their own music with technology!
Then admiring their handiwork.
Thank you so much PledgeCents, for the amazing encouragement, support and follow through. You are changing our schools for the better!
*Mary Elizabeth was not compensated for this post.
