Fundraising
The school’s faculty depends on supplemental funds from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) to help them attain their academic goals and to enrich the educational programs offered to our children. To accomplish this, the Mark Twain PTO depends on the strong financial commitment and dedication of friends, family and corporate members of the community.
friends and family donation program
Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Our Friends & Family campaign is an opportunity for parents and all friends and family of our students to make a tax-deductible donation to the Mark Twain PTO. Funds raised through our Friends & Family Campaign help us get the year started! Our fundraising efforts are vitally important in the current climate of district budget cuts and deficits. Funds raised support:
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program through teacher training and program fees
Classroom equipment and supplies
Technology and communication tools
A donation to the Friends and Family campaign DIRECTLY supports and benefits Mark Twain Elementary School. Over the years, funds raised by the PTO have not only been used to support the daily expenses of our school such as printing or online subscriptions, but have also allowed us to take on larger projects such as the new playground, restock libraries, and purchasing new technology for each classroom. Read this letter to learn more about how you can invest in our campus, our neighborhood, our teachers, our staff, and most importantly our children.
To learn more, please contact Marvin Itzep, VP Membership at membership@marktwainpto.org.
corporate partners program
Dear Mark Twain Supporter,
Though it seems the school year just ended, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Mark Twain Elementary is preparing for the 2023-2024 school year. As an important member of our neighborhood, we wanted to reach out to you. We are grateful for those community members who believe in Mark Twain, and all it stands for, and we hope we can count on you to sponsor our special school.
With a dynamic community of teachers, administrators, parents, neighbors, friends, and sponsors, we develop students into well-rounded global citizens. Our school depends on community support to maintain our level of academic excellence. Your generous donations supplement our students' education through the International Baccalaureate, Literacy Development, and Dual Language programs.
Mark Twain PTO also hosts fundraising events throughout the year, such as Back to School Night, Spooky Spectacular Fall Festival, Bingo Night, Math & Science Night, Huckleberry Bash, Twain Tiger Trot, and more. We are committed to highlighting our partners on campus as well as through our online platforms (@marktwainpto and www.marktwainpto.org/pto). Through events and additional outreach, the PTO stewards your tax-deductible donation by increasing company awareness within the Twain community. Please find more information attached.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration and commitment to education. We look forward to hearing from you.
With gratitude,
Cricket DeWalch Lauren Mills
VP Corporate Sponsorship Corporate Sponsorship
sponsorship@marktwainpto.org sponsorship@marktwainpto.org
corporate matching gift program
“Corporate Matching Gift Programs” match cash donations made by their employees (parents) to non-profit organizations. Take advantage of this “Matching” opportunity and your Mark Twain contributions can easily be doubled! This is very easy and provides a substantial amount of extra donations to help our wonderful school.
Click Here To See A List of Companies With Matching Gift Programs
How do I get the corporate matching funds? Many Fortune 1000 companies offer a “matching gift program.” If you are not sure if your company participates please contact your employer’s human resources department. Most programs are accessed via the companies Intranet. To apply for the program you must simply fill out the form from your employer and your employer will contact the PTO for verification or ask you to submit the form through your PTO contact which can be found below. Please take advantage of this opportunity. It is a win-win for the children at Mark Twain Elementary.
Below is the information that you will need to apply for the corporate matching gift programs:
Our organization Name: Mark Twain Parent Teacher Organization, Inc.
IRS Tax exempt 501(c)(3): 76-0327049
Address of donation: 7500 Braes Blvd., Houston, TX 77025
Phone of donation: 713-295-5230
PTO contact: Friends and Family Campaign – Marvin Itzep, membership@marktwainpto.org, Mark Twain VP Membership
Membership has a mailbox in the PTO workroom where hard copy forms can be submitted.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Marvin Itzep at membership@marktwainpto.org.
birthdaY grams
Wish your child a happy birthday by ordering a special Birthday Gram to be delivered to your child. Your $20 order includes a “Happy Birthday” serenade performed by 5th grade students after morning announcements, a gold crown to wear all day, and a goody bag.
Does your child have a summer birthday? Surprise them with a Birthday Gram delivered on their ½ Birthday (six months after their last birthday).
All birthday grams are “delivered” on Fridays. Please submit your Birthday Gram request at least one (1) week prior to your child’s birthday. We cannot guarantee last minute Birthday Grams will be delivered on the week requested.
All proceeds are used to support Fifth Grade Commencement activities. To order your student’s birthday gram, click here. For questions or to volunteer to help deliver Birthday Grams, please contact Jenny Hanks or Elizabeth Anderson at fundraising@marktwainpto.org.