The Walkathon is Friends of Mayer’s year-end fundraiser promoting health & wellness, school spirit, and student engagement.
Friday, May 22, 2026
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Friday, May 22, 2026 〰️
WHAT
After a school-wide pep rally, classrooms take turns walking or running the route while families, staff, and the community cheer them on.
It’s one of the most exciting days of the year at Mayer.
WHY
Parents shouldn’t have all the fun! This is a student-led fundraiser to bridge the gap between CPS funding and Mayer’s actual operating costs.
It helps Mayer maintain our thriving Montessori, IB, and Fine Arts programs, allows for technology upgrades such as new Chromebooks, iPads, and Smart TVs, funds field trip transportation, school beautification and so much more.
HOW
Students collect donations from their community - family, friends, neighbors, etc.
Students participle during the school day
Parent volunteers help run the event and everyone is invited to cheer students on!
Donations go directly back to Mayer
Rain Date Tuesday, May 26
Students Leading the Way
Ideas for students to get involved:
Create a personal donation page
Text short videos to family and friends
Explain to family, friends and neighbors why Mayer matters to them
Share the QR code to make donating easy
Make a Fundraising Video
Not sure what to say when asking for donations? Here’s a quick example. Students should share their name and room number so we can track donations for classroom incentive prizes. It’s also great to tell friends and family why they love Oscar Mayer and what their favorite part of Walkathon is. A short, personal message makes a big difference!
Incentives
The first 100 kids to secure a donation will receive a treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes
Classrooms that raise $1,500 receive special Walkathon swag
If 8th grade raises a combined $1,500, they receive $300 for their graduation picnic
Classrooms that raise the most will earn extra fun, such as choosing their walk-out song and a snow cone party provided by Jen’s Camp
If we hit our $45,000 goal, the top fundraising classroom will celebrate by Silly Stringing Assistant Principal Edwards!
