LET THE SALES BEGIN — NRHEG PTO member Penni Mueller addressed the Elementary students in Ellendale as the annual cookie dough sales program kicked off Monday, September 26. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
It has to be the favorite time of year for all of the area cookie monsters. Monday, September 26, the NRHEG PTO kicked off their annual cookie dough fundraising event.
“Last year, we raised $16,262,” said Penni Mueller, PTO member, to the assembled elementary students Monday afternoon. “The money was spent for Smart Boards, the Prairie Fire Theater and other activities.”
Rick Garlock of Great American Opportunities gave a short presentation to the students and challenged them to exceed last year’s sales numbers.
“You had a record sale last year,” said Garlock. “Can you beat last year?”
The students responded with a resounding “yes.”
This year, the students will be offering 18 different flavors of cookie dough and an expanded line of jewelry items. Students are rewarded with prizes for their efforts in the fundraising campaign. Last year, the students received a visit from magician Rick Smith. This year, Matt Wilhelm, a BMX rider who was featured as a finalist on the TV show “America’s Got Talent,” will pay the students a visit sometime in February or early March.
“Also, the top three sellers will be treated to lunch with Mr. Anderson,” said Garlock. Anderson is the NRHEG Elementary Coordinator at Ellendale.
Funds raised in the past by the PTO have been used to purchase playground equipment in New Richland and Ellendale, assist with costs of the 5th grade Eagle Bluff trip, fund the artist in residence program and assist teachers with purchases for their classrooms, and many other projects.
“We would like to thank the communities, students and parents for the past support of the cookie dough sales program,” said PTO member Rhonda Staloch. “This is our main fundraiser for the year.”
The NRHEG Elementary students will be selling from now until October 10th, the deadline for turning orders in. For more information on the program, questions may be directed to NRHEG Elementary in Ellendale at (507) 684-3181.
