Walk-A-Thon 2026
at Riverdale Heights Elementary
Friday September 18, 2026
During School Hours
Walk-A-Thon is our biggest fundraising event of the year. Last year we raised almost $14,000 in donations! 100% of the funds raised go directly to our school.
Who: All Riverdale Heights Students
What: Students walk with their class and grade level for 25 minutes on the track around the field. A DJ plays music and we all have a great time!
When: Friday, September 18, 2026
Parents are allowed to come and watch their student(s) walk outside.*
Why: PTA helps to fund school-wide programs, PE equipment, updates to shared spaces, a book machine, and $150 to every teacher for classroom supplies. We also supplement teacher appreciation events every month. This year, we’re raising funds for new safety window clings that double as bold, decorative displays of Riverdale Heights Spartan pride. These clings help keep our students safe and make our school look amazing — a win for security and a win for Spartan spirit.
THANK YOU to our CORPORATE SPONSORS
Casey's - Raising Cane's - KidStrong - Mathnasium
If you are a business looking to be featured on our website, Facebook page, and parent informational flyer as a WalkaThon Sponsor, click below to learn more.
New This Year:
Prizes: This year we are changing up the prize system, and we are awarding prizes based on both individual contributions and total classroom contributions. The more you money can raise, the more prizes you can get for you and your classmates! Each class has the goal of raising $500. That's $20/student!
How do I raise donations?
Donations are a flat amount (not a pledge per lap). Ask family, friends and coworkers to help support our school.
A good way to think about how much to donate: $1/minute=$25, $2/minutes=$50, $5/minute=$125, $10/minute=$250.
1) Cash and checks: The PTA will provide each student an envelope to collect cash and check donations. Envelopes can be turned into the classroom teacher.
2) Online donations: Online donations can be made via our website.
3) Venmo: We also have a Venmo! (@RVDHpta). Make sure your Venmo donation also has your student's name, classroom teacher, and grade level in the notes so we can add it to their competition! If you have more than 1 student, please make each donation separately for each student so each of their grade levels receive a donation!
We track each students funds raised and award individual and class prizes based on how much they fundraise.
Special WAT Events/Other Ways To Donate:
1) Grade Level Coin Competition - September 14 - September 18
Students, bring your coin donations to the atrium between 8:15-8:30am and get a sticker. These donations will be collected by grade level and will be applied to the grade level total.
2) DJ Shout Outs: Grown Ups: the DJ will take "Shout Outs" for a cash donation at the event.
3) Corporate Match Donations: Do you work for a corporation that will contribute a matching donation? Donate to RVDH PTA through a corporate match. We are registered with Benevity. Search Riverdale PTA or our full name PTA Iowa Congress Riverdale PTA.
Timeline:
Flyers, Donation Slips, and Directions go home: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Collect Donations: September 3- September 18, 2026
Donations Due: September 18, 2026
*Donations received after September 18 will not be applied to the student's prizes.
Rain Plan*:
A decision will be made the morning of the event if it needs to be moved inside. We will announce plans on our PTA Facebook page. Grownups will be allowed inside the gym if we have to move the event due to weather. If this is the case, we will have volunteers assisting with check-in.
Grade Level Walk Schedule:
Parents are more than welcome to come watch their student(s) walk or even join them! Upon arrival to the school, go directly to the 'soccer field' off of the primary playground.
8:40-9:05 5th Grade
9:05-9:30 6th Grade
9:30-9:55 4th Grade
9:55-10:20 Kindergarten
10:20-10:45 1st grade
10:45-11:10 2nd Grade
11:10-11:35 3rd Grade
Questions? Contact our Walk-A-Thon PTA Parent Volunteer Co-Chairs
Kaity Krebs, Jalissa Ellis or Kelsey Allbaugh - walkathon@riverdaleheightspta.com
