Foxes and Vikings: Schools develop new ‘fun’raisers

Whether you are eager to get in touch with your “inner Viking” or explore your sleuthing skills searching for secret foxes, you are bound to either discover the beauty of the Victor Point area or solve the secrets of Silverton by participating in two new community events.

In effort to raise money for their respective schools and bring more tourists to the area, both the Victor Point and the Mark Twain Parent Teacher clubs have started creative new fundraisers.

Mark Twain Middle School PTC is hosting The Great Fox Hunt beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16. A city-wide scavenger hunt, teams of four will have to solve clues throughout Silverton. The money raised from the event will go to update the middle school’s technology.

The Victor Point PTC is hosting the first Run for the Hills on Saturday, May 30. Runners and walkers are invited to participate in a 1-mile race for children or a 5K or 15K for runners and walkers. All three events begin at Victor Point School with the one-mile race starting at 8 a.m.; the 15K at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 8:45 a.m. Funds raised will pay for school equipment and classroom supplies, bussing for field trips, Lego Club and Outdoor School.

The Great Fox Hunt

Teams of four will discover Silverton’s secrets by searching businesses, historical sites and restaurants for clues.

“The event is a great way to learn little known facts about Silverton,” said parent Nicole Engstrom. “It will take about three hours to complete the hunt for paper foxes hidden throughout town.”

Mark Twain PTC President Amy Buchheit participated in a scavenger hunt with her family in another community last year. After having so much fun, she thought it would be an incredible experience and perfect event for Silverton.

“We are so excited to be hosting a fun, family-friendly event celebrating Silverton’s rich heritage, secrets and treasures while raising funds for new technology at our local middle school,” Buchheit said.

Mark Twain Principal Nancy Griffith said the Great Fox Hunt connects the school and the community in an interactive experience that showcases the community.

“I’m thrilled that our community will shine in this exciting fundraiser that benefits future citizens of Silverton and beyond,” Griffith said.

Run for the Hills

With a laugh Christena Brooks notes that two Victor Point fundraisers involve food – the Pie and Cake Auction in the fall and the Chili Feed in the spring. Now, she said, they have a fundraiser to work off what you ate.

“More importantly, it’s another way to bring our community together and invite others to see the beautiful countryside,” she said. “It’s heaven on Earth out here.”

Victor Point parents Katie Kunenzi and Brooks planned the Run for the Hills on one of their early morning runs.

The Victor Point PTC supports students and staff by allocating $10,000 a year for items such as supplies and Outdoor School and also raises money for bigger projects such as redoing the computer lab and the playground.

“Victor Point has solid fundraising traditions that have been passed down for decades,” Brooks said. “We are trying to add to them with this fitness-minded fundraiser.”