HADLEY — After extensive fundraising efforts, the fundraising committee for the new playground at Hadley Elementary School only needs about $20,000 more to reach its goal.
“We are so fortunate to be in a community where many local businesses and individuals are so supportive of our schools,” said Tara Brugger, chair of the Hadley Elementary School Playground Fundraising Committee. “We started with a goal of $300,000 to raise. As of right now, we need to raise just below $20,000 more to meet our goal! That right there goes to show how generous and responsive this community is to our fundraising requests.”
Most of the donations so far have come through community outreach efforts by the committee. It provided flyers to go home with students, reached out on social media and displayed fundraising flyers at local businesses and public areas.
“The Hadley community is quite supportive,” noted Brugger. “We have dedicated members of the HES playground fundraising committee who work daily to connect with donors to make this project move forward in a timely manner.”
Fundraising efforts began just a couple of months ago in late February 2024. Given the campaign’s success, Brugger said the committee hopes to start the process over the summer and have the playgrounds ready for or near the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Brugger explained that the new playground will provide both physical and mental stimulation to Hadley Elementary School students and the community at large.
“We want something that keeps children engaged and moving while providing a safe place for them to do so,” said Brugger.
The committee began its final push to reach the $300,000 goal on Friday, May 17 when its GoFundMe campaign went live. Brugger explained that the committee hopes to reach a broader audience, perhaps connecting with those who spent time on the playground but have now outgrown it.
Brugger noted that the campaign’s success is a testament to how much the Hadley community values its schools and young population.
“We want to ensure we have a space to reflect those values,” explained Brugger. “The current playground is original to the school and so many have enjoyed its use. We want to ensure that the community continues to have a space to enjoy. We want to thank all the generous donors who have contributed to this project thus far. No amount is too small, and it all helps to reach our goal — new playgrounds for Hadley Elementary School.”
