Friday, November 7, 2025
James A. Dever Elementary School has completed its second year using Raise Craze, a fundraising model centered on acts of service.
Rather than selling products, students earned donations by performing acts of kindness in their school and community.
The program was first brought to the school by former PTA Co-Presidents Rosina Fusillo and Samanta Shaw, according to PTA Co-President Desiree Fasulo, who were looking for new ways to engage families.
“Together with Mrs. (Debbie) Kornfeld, Dever’s social worker, they envisioned a fundraiser that would not center on selling products, but align with our school’s program, ‘Kindness Matters,’” Fasulo said. “What started as an experiment quickly became something magical: a movement that united students, families and staff through compassion and service and would build upon the culture of kindness and belonging at Dever.”
The structure of Raise Craze requires students to reach out to family and friends for financial support. After donations are pledged, the children complete community-minded actions as their way of giving back. These acts ranged from simple gestures, like writing thank-you notes, to helping neighbors or participating in beautification efforts around the school. Students also contributed to letter-writing campaigns for first responders and sanitation workers, collected items for a food drive and assembled care packages for hospital staff.
The PTA reported that students responded enthusiastically to the service-based format participating in daily kindness challenges and working collectively to achieve high levels of involvement. A rotating GOAT Kindness Trophy was awarded to the class that completed the most acts on a given day.
“Parents say Raise Craze opened up beautiful at-home conversations about empathy and gratitude,” Fasulo said. “Teachers noticed a gentler classroom culture, with students encouraging and helping one another more. Students shared simple, powerful reflections: ‘It felt good to make someone smile,’ and ‘Kindness is my new hobby.’ It’s clear Raise Craze isn’t just changing routines — it’s shaping hearts and minds.”
An important component of this year’s program was Acts of Service Night, held Oct. 21 in the school gym. The event invited students to earn additional Acts of Kindness by taking part in community-based activities on site. Participants created cards for local organizations, contributed to the school’s food drive and decorated outdoor walkways with encouraging messages.
According to the PTA, the evening highlighted student enthusiasm for service, especially when they can see how their efforts connect to people. Student Council members, under the guidance of advisor Denise DeMeo, supported the planning and execution of the night, contributing to its success.
The school also received a visit from New York State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, who came to acknowledge the efforts of the PTA and students. Her participation demonstrated local support for programs that strengthen community bonds and help young people understand civic responsibility.
“She didn’t just visit, she connected: speaking with students, hugging parents, and praising the PTA for ‘making kindness known,’” Fasulo said. “Her encouragement validated months of work and left everyone proud and inspired.”
Raise Craze retains over 90 percent of contributions for the school, allowing the PTA to put most of the money raised directly toward student-focused initiatives. Dever Elementary met its $20,000 fundraising goal this year. PTA leaders plan to use the funds for projects that enhance the school environment and enrich educational programming.
While raising money is a key objective, the PTA emphasized that the program’s larger purpose is character building. Students experienced how a simple action can influence others and potentially inspire further kindness. They participated in an original “boomerang” video featuring students, staff and families to illustrate the concept of a ripple effect, reinforcing the idea that one person’s choice can lead to broader change.
Following the fundraiser, the school community is preparing for several additional service-centered events. These include continuing the food drive that benefits local food pantries, an annual coat drive focused on providing warmth for those in need and opportunities for engagement with Intergenerational Reading Partners. The PTA also looks ahead to International Night, a continuing celebration of diversity within the school community.
Dever Elementary School plans to continue growing its approach to fundraising through service. PTA leadership hopes that Raise Craze will expand to additional schools in the district and encourage a wider movement supporting empathy and mutual support.
