Wildcat Walk-a-thon 2026: Step Up for Waters!
Fun, community, and fundraising to support our neighborhood school
From September 21 to October 2, we’re rallying together for the Wildcat Walk-a-thon! This beloved tradition brings the entire Waters Elementary community together to celebrate school pride and the power of collective support as we raise money to fund essential programs like classroom aides, Spanish instruction, professional development, and more.

We're aiming to raise $120,000—and we can get there with your help. Whether you pledge, collect donations, volunteer, or simply come out to cheer on Walk-a-thon Day (Friday, October 2), every bit of support counts. 
Help us reach our goal!
What is the Walk-a-thon and Pledge Drive? Why should you donate? 
Volunteers make the Walk-a-thon a success. Sign up for a shift here!
Check the schedule to find out when your kids will be outside! Each class walks around the block for 30 minutes followed by a 15 minute  snack on the field. 
Support our generous and community-minded business sponsors.
Take advantage of your Employer Donation Match program to amplify your impact! 
What is the Walk-a-thon?
The Wildcat Walk-a-thon & Pledge Drive is the annual fall fundraiser for Friends of Waters. Between September 21 to October 2, we ask each family to pledge or collect donations to reach our school's goal of $120,000.

Then, on October 2nd, every student is invited to participate in the Walk-a-thon on the sidewalk around the school, and our community is invited to come cheer them on! To celebrate reaching our $120,000 goal, there will be a school-wide celebration at 2:45pm, so all students can be there when our beloved school staff is slimed!
Why are we fundraising?
Waters Elementary depends on the generous support of its families and community members to help fund many programs and close the gap in the school budget. Funds raised by Friends of Waters throughout the year support crucial initiatives at Waters, including:
  • Lunch and recess supervision.
  • Spanish Language instruction for all middle school students.
  • Fine Arts essentials classes, Technology, and Environmental Science.
  • Circle of Help, a parent-run program that aims to alleviate the stress of financial hardship on local students and their family members by offering assistance through community aid.
Are there prizes? 
​Yes, there are multiple ways for all students and families to participate regardless of donation amount.

Early bird raffle:
Any student with a donation by Thursday, September 24 will be entered into a raffle to be P.E. Teacher for a day! 

All students will:
  • ​participate in the Walk with a healthy snack after
  • be entered into the raffle to help slime Waters staff 
  • participate in the community celebration

Classes:
  • The class in each grade with the highest percentage of participation (regardless of donation amount) will earn 1 extra hour of recess. 
  • The class that raises the most money in the ENTIRE school will win a super cool classroom trophy and an extra hour of fun with Principal Rutkowski! 
How much should I donate?
While $500 is the per family goal, some give less, and some give more. We simply ask that you give an amount that is meaningful to you—every dollar counts! Pledges may be 
made in one payment or as a recurring monthly donation. 

Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal! ​
Details about your donation
  • Friends of Waters is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The federal tax identification number is 32-0174761.
  • Contributions to Friends of Waters are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. 
  • For one-time donations, please consider one of the following options to reduce the amount of transaction fees *
    • Zelle payment to [email protected]
    • Venmo payment to @friendsofwaters
    • Check payable to "Friends of Waters"
  • Recurring donations will continue until canceled by the donor.
  • Questions? Please email [email protected]

​*Please include the student name(s) & room number(s) in the memo line.
Friends of Waters is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting, augmenting, and enhancing the educational experience of the students of Thomas J. Waters Elementary School.