The annual “Dollars for Dodgers” fundraising event is underway at the Fort Dodge elementary and middle school buildings.

Previously called “Miles of Pennies,” the fundraiser encourages students and staff to bring in any loose change or bills to help fund specific projects in each building,

Each school building keeps 100 percent of its funds and will receive a $100 bonus from the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation if students and staff reach their goal.

“This year the schools Foundation moved from Miles of Pennies to Dollars for Dodgers. All proceeds from Dollars for Dodgers go back to those buildings to support different incentives or purchase items that go above and beyond,” said Superintendent Josh Porter. “These types of fundraisers are what allow building principals to get a new piece of playground equipment or extra supplies for teachers to have in their classrooms.”

Each building also offers incentives for students, challenging them to reach their goal.

Duncombe School may have the most unique incentive. If Duncombe can reach its goal of raising $1,000, then principal Ryan Flaherty will spend a night in a tent on the school grounds.

Duncombe’s goal is to raise funds to be used for the implementation of Leader In Me.

“I did this one other time in Cedar Falls as an incentive for a Food Drive and kids and community members enjoyed it,” said Duncombe Principal Ryan Flaherty. “I just thought it was a free incentive and a way to show everyone in the school that this is important and it is OK to have fun while raising money at school.

“I wholeheartedly believe in the Leader In Me program and that is why I am willing to put myself out there a little more to make sure we have the funds to keep this amazing program going,” he added.

Other awards at Duncombe include hitting a staff member in the face with pie, paint or something else “gross,” a Glow Dance Party, mystery activities in the gym, pop and popcorn party or extra recess with the high school helpers.

Butler’s goal is to raise $1,500 for new playground equipment and the Leader in Me program. Their reward for reaching that goal is a park day. Butler also has some smaller incentives for each class, including extra recess, a popsicle party and ice cream day at Steburgers, among other things.

Cooper’s goal is to raise $1,000 for updating and adding recess supplies and equipment. The top three classes will be awarded prizes that include a private concert with Mr. Benson, a class photo booth party and lunch outside with extra recess.

Feelhaver has a goal of raising $1,000 for updating and adding recess supplies and equipment. Principal Sara Fitzgerald said a group of student leaders will help determine what to purchase.

Students at Feelhaver will also have the incentive to earn a chance to smash a staff member in the face with a pie, a movie party or outdoor lunch with extra recess.

Students can bring change, bills or checks to their classroom teachers during the week.

“We are very appreciative of the support we receive from families as each building creates some fun competitions as they work to bring in dollars to each building,” said Porter.