The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Barack Obama Elementary School in Richmond is hosting its first online auction with an ambitious goal of raising $10,000. The funds are intended to directly support teachers who often pay for classroom necessities out of their own pockets, a common issue nationwide that is particularly acute at schools serving low-income communities.
The fundraising event, named the "Baracktion," aims to alleviate the financial burden on educators and provide essential resources for students. The auction is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 19, at 10 p.m., with organizers hoping for a final surge of community support.
Key Takeaways
- The Barack Obama Elementary School PTO launched its first online auction, the "Baracktion," to raise $10,000 for teacher and classroom supplies.
- The initiative addresses the national issue of teachers spending personal funds on school necessities, with the U.S. average nearing $900 per teacher annually.
- The PTO received guidance and support from the Linwood Holton PTA, a parent organization from a more affluent Richmond school.
- The auction features a diverse range of items, including services from parents, experiences with local officials, and donations from community businesses.
Addressing a Widespread Financial Burden
Teachers across the United States regularly use their own money to purchase essential classroom items, from pencils and paper to snacks for students. This out-of-pocket spending has become a significant financial strain on educators.
Teacher Spending by the Numbers
On average, teachers in the U.S. spend nearly $900 of their own money on classroom supplies each year. This figure can be even higher in schools with a large population of students from low-income households, where the need for basic resources is often greater.
At Barack Obama Elementary, located in Richmond's Northside, a high percentage of students live below the poverty level. This reality amplifies the need for school-provided supplies and places additional pressure on its teachers. The PTO's fundraising effort is a direct response to this challenge.
A Parent's Motivation for Change
The idea for a large-scale auction was sparked by a simple request. Nick Bacon, a parent at the school and a full-time entrepreneur, was surprised when his son's kindergarten teacher started a crowdfunding campaign for a classroom necessity.
"Last year, when my son was in kindergarten, I was surprised to get an email from his teacher requesting, or launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a dehumidifier," Bacon explained. "And that surprised me that that was something that parents or teachers would have to pay for themselves."
This experience motivated Bacon to research the extent of teacher spending. After learning how much educators were contributing from their personal finances, he and other PTO members began brainstorming solutions. The result of these discussions was the "Baracktion."
Building the Auction from the Ground Up
Organizing an online auction of this magnitude was a new endeavor for the PTO. According to its recent tax filings, the organization had previously raised only a few thousand dollars annually and often operated at a financial deficit. A $10,000 goal was a significant leap.
To navigate this unfamiliar territory, Bacon said the PTO reached out to other parent-teacher organizations within Richmond Public Schools for advice. They found a willing partner in the Linwood Holton Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which represents a school in a more affluent area and regularly raises substantial funds through similar events.
The Power of Collaboration
The Linwood Holton PTA's 2024 tax filings show it raised over $73,000. These funds support classroom supplies, teacher appreciation programs, and student enrichment activities. Instead of viewing the Barack Obama Elementary PTO as competition for donations, Holton's PTA offered extensive support.
Bacon highlighted the collaborative spirit between the two school communities.
"They were really, really supportive in giving us advice, giving us businesses to talk to, contributing things themselves," Bacon said. "So it does feel like we’re kinda standing on their shoulders a little bit to achieve our own success."
He emphasized that the Holton PTA leaders understood that supporting another school ultimately benefits the entire city. "The reality is a rising tide lifts all boats," Bacon added.
Community Engagement and Auction Offerings
The auction features a wide variety of items designed to attract broad interest from the community. Bidders can compete for unique opportunities and valuable goods, including:
- Babysitting services offered by other parents
- A coffee meeting with Richmond Mayor Danny Avula
- Handmade items from local artisans
- Vacation packages to mountain and beach destinations
The diversity of the items reflects the broad community effort involved in organizing the event. Bacon noted that the process of gathering these donations has been a success in itself, strengthening connections between parents, school staff, and local businesses.
"Knowing that we have parents that are volunteering their time, staff that are putting together experiences for the auction, and community members who are willing to contribute goods and services, I think that’s the real success that we’re seeing right now," he said.
While the PTO is focused on reaching its $10,000 target, Bacon remains optimistic about the community's generosity, suggesting he wouldn't be surprised if the final total climbs even higher. The auction closes at 10 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, with final bids determining the outcome of this community-driven effort.