James A. Dever Elementary School is taking fundraising in a new direction, encouraging students to make a difference through kindness rather than selling products.
Through the Raise Craze program, students are performing “Acts of Kindness” that benefit both their school and the wider community.
“These acts range from helping neighbors to participating in school-wide initiatives like the food drive, all in exchange for support from friends and family,” Dever PTA Co-President Desiree Fasulo said. “This approach not only raises money but also fosters empathy, community engagement and a culture of giving.”
During the fundraiser, participants first reach out to friends and family to request donations via email. Instead of simply collecting money, students then “pay it forward” by completing AOKs for others.
Unlike many traditional fundraising efforts, Raise Craze allows schools to retain over 90 percent of the money raised, ensuring that a larger share of contributions directly supports educational programs and activities managed by the PTA.
Building on the success of its first year with Raise Craze, the PTA is hosting an Acts of Service Night on Oct. 21, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Dever gymnasium. During the event, students will have the opportunity to earn AOKs while giving back to the community. Planned activities include creating cards for local organizations, decorating the school’s walkways with messages of kindness, delivering canned goods for the ongoing food drive and connecting with representatives from local non-profits.
This initiative not only reinforces the PTA’s commitment to educational enrichment but also highlights the school’s focus on cultivating character and social responsibility in students. By linking fundraising with community service, the program provides an engaging way for students to see the tangible results of their efforts, both in the school and beyond.
“This is the PTA’s second year promoting the fundraiser, and it is already off to a great start,” Fasulo said. “They are looking forward to a successful evening and want everyone to remember, magic happens when you’re kind.”
With Raise Craze, Dever Elementary is demonstrating that fundraising doesn’t have to be solely transactional; it can be a way to inspire students, strengthen community ties and spread kindness throughout Valley Stream.
