When it came to raising funds for a new book vending machine, Higgins Elementary thought outside the box. Instead of corporate sponsors or writing grants, they took a different approach. Students and families opted for an old-fashioned fundraiser. The annual “Hawk Walk” event. They put their hearts and wallets into action, raising funds to make a book vending machine part of their school life.
Fundraising Fun at the Hawk Walk
Six students stood out by raising the most money during this fundraiser. Let’s give a round of applause to Lauren-Alaina Bedard, Francisco Gullett, Zoey Nagher, Kenneth Sesto, Patrick Thompson, and Lorenzo Tolomei! They earned the honor of cutting the yellow ribbon during the grand unveiling. Also, these students were the first to receive tokens to the book vending machine.
Turning Kindness into Tokens
This unique vending machine is stocked with picture books and chapter books. There is something for every interest and reading level.
The machine is operated by gold tokens. Students can earn tokens for their acts of kindness around the school. These tokens are their golden tickets to explore the world of literature.
Exceeding Expectations: The Fundraising Triumph
Originally, the fundraising goal was set at $6,000. That estimate included the cost of the book vending machine. But the Higgins Elementary community met them with enthusiasm. Seriously, these people’s generosity knew no bounds. The fundraiser brought in nearly $8,000! This extra funding covered the vending machine and additional books.
A Magical Reading Journey Begins
Amy Brender, a literary specialist at the school, hopes the book vending machine will spark a reading revolution. In a world dominated by technology, the goal is to bring excitement back to the world of books.
Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine: A Dream Turned Reality
Higgins Elementary joins a growing list of schools embracing Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. This innovative concept came from a collaboration between a New York assistant principal and the president and CEO of Global Vending Group, Jay Blumberg. Global Vending Group’s mission is to create literacy for everyone. We do it by getting kids excited about reading.
Rewarding Good Behavior and Achievements
Students at Higgins Elementary will earn trips to the book vending machine for their good behavior, acts of kindness, and the completion of academic goals. This brilliant initiative not only encourages literacy but also strengthens family bonds through shared reading experiences.
Counting Down to Adventure
The excitement for this unique vending machine has reached a fever pitch. One parent shared son’s countdown running up to the machine’s official unveiling. “We’re huge on reading at home,” she said. “If he’s got that kind of motivation, and he’s only into video games right now, then I think this will be a really cool thing for other kids too.”
Interested in looking for funding for your bookworm vending machine? Great job taking the first steps toward creating a better learning environment. Fundraising is only one avenue. We often hear success stories of educators who have received funding through various sources. Here you can explore multiple funding opportunities for Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. If you’re still stumped, give us a call. We’d love to guide you through the process.