Play East fundraiser in Fairview surpasses $40,000 goal; organizers outline 10th‑anniversary plans

Play East staff told the board the group’s annual fundraiser at the Fairview Food Plaza on May 14 exceeded its $40,000 goal, with reported receipts of about $45,420 before event expenses. "So either way we hit our goal and then some," a staff member said during the meeting.

The event drew an estimated 100 attendees and featured short testimonial videos, including footage of a parent identified in the recording as Benny, and a three-song performance by a group called Tippy Toes. Staff said those elements helped illustrate the organization’s work and attract sponsor interest.

Financial details presented to the board included $4,326 in event expenditures (below the $5,000 budget) and raffle proceeds of roughly $3,000, with a limited "golden ticket" promotion that sold 20 $50 tickets and raised $1,000. The staff singled out First Community Credit Union for an eight-year streak of support, naming it a $10,000 premier partner.

Organizers discussed operational improvements for future events, including changing food-service layout to create two serving lines and having the master of ceremonies call attention to a looping video highlighting programs and sponsors. Staff noted some photo and display limitations at the venue that they plan to address.

Staff also opened a planning discussion for Play East’s 10th anniversary: a proposed video montage with original task‑force members and staff interviews, anniversary swag, and board shirts to highlight the program’s decade of operations. "It would be useful to capture the growth and use snippets to promote the fundraiser," the staff member said.

The board asked staff to compile a sponsor recognition list and to return with a refined anniversary plan in a future meeting. Staff also said they will follow up to clarify a detail mentioned during the meeting in which 23 sponsors were reported and an additional figure was spoken that requires confirmation.