On Feb. 12, at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, principals from various Pembroke Pines Charter School campuses convened to participate in the Principal Jail and Bail fundraiser.
To raise funds for the Charter Foundation, the event was found to be a huge success, garnering many donations and support from the community.
The event was a party-style gathering, with staff members such as Michael Castellano from the West campus, Maria Garcia from the central campus, Peter Bayer from the high school campus, and more in attendance.
Displays of coffee, danishes, and a do-it-yourself (DIY) jail cell craft elevated the atmosphere, creating a friendly environment for everyone involved.
However, the quirk of the event was its functionality. Rather than directly inviting people to meet at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, the event reached its target audience through a quick and simple phone call.
PPCHS principal Bayer explains, “They put us [principals and staff members] in a [DIY jail] cell, and we made phone calls to parents that would be interested in donating [to] our [Charter Foundation].”
This phone call system powered the event in an efficient and simple way. This was especially useful, considering the fundraiser was planned on short notice, according to Bayer.
He reveals, “The event was fun; it was the first time that we’ve done it (the event) as a fundraiser, and it was a little bit last minute. But given that circumstance, a decent amount of money was still raised.”
Against all odds, having, according to Bayer, “a strong infrastructure of people who support the school,”was what allowed the Jail and Bail to be successful.
All proceeds from the Principal Jail and Bail are allocated to the Charter Foundation, funding initiatives like Jaguar Pride, the Senior Awards Night, and reimbursements for teachers who want to further their education.
Thus, this short-notice event held great value for individuals striving to make a mark within their community and in their own lives.
The Jail and Bail Fundraiser is yet another testament to the Charter Foundation’s impact: helping people connect while supporting a good cause.
With more upcoming events such as the “Light Up the Night 5k run” occurring on Feb. 28, the City of Pembroke Pines continues to offer opportunities to get involved and become proactive in the local community.
