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 fun run
Our Friends & Family Fun Run is an opportunity for parents and all friends and family (worldwide!) to make a tax-deductible donation to the Mark Twain PTO. This campaign is one of Mark Twain Elementary PTO’s major fundraising events. Students, families, friends, community members, and teachers come together to raise money while celebrating with fun prizes, classroom competitions, and school-wide rewards. Our fundraising efforts are vitally important. Funds go toward PTO-sponsored programs, events, and resources that enrich learning and support our school community.
These include but are not limited to:
International Baccalaureate (IB) & Dual Language programs (teacher training & program fees)
Campus beautification
Classroom, technology, and safety equipment
PTO events/programs such as STEAM Night, International Festival, guest author visits
Ensuring every student succeeds and feels welcome, regardless of financial situation
Teacher appreciation
And so much more!
A donation to the Friends and Family Fun Run 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 track, 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. PLUS learn about all our fun Individual, Family and School wide rewards!
The event will end in a Fun Run for all students on September 26th.
SCAN TO REGISTER
A brief Overview of Prizes and Incentives:
School Goal: $100,000
Individual Student Prizes:
sign on prize - MTE sticker
$25 prize - drawstring bag with MTE logo
$50 prize - fidget spinner with MTE logo
$75 prize - Color changing Water Bottle with MTE logo
$100 prize - Tiger Stuffed Animal with MTE logo
Family level Prizes - Donations from all siblings combine toward family prizes:
$250 - Recognition in Auction program + entry into a raffle for fun school perks + all items from the levels below
$500 - Sponsorship breakfast with Ms. Rawson + all items from the levels below
$1000 - Personalized engraved brick at school entrance or Chick-fil-A lunch with Rawson and the Mark Twain Tiger + all the items from the levels below.
$2000 - Custom recognition on a permanent donor wall (options like framed student art or family picture) + all the items in the below levels.
Incentives:
If our school reaches the $100,000 goal, Orbit will come visit Twain
The top 3 students with the MOST funds raised will get to silly string Ms Rawson on the morning announcements
If 4th & 5th grade reaches 75% of students registered, they will get a color run on the day of the event
The Top 3 classes with the most funds raised will get a class party with all the party treats!
The #1 top earning class will earn their teacher No teacher recess duty for the week or a car detailing (Teacher’s choice).
To learn more, please contact Amy Bahlo, VP Membership at membership@marktwainpto.org or Madeline Morales, VP Fundraising at fundraising@marktwainpto.org.
corporate partners program
Dear Friend of Mark Twain Elementary,
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Mark Twain Elementary is gearing up for the 2025-2026 school year. We are deeply grateful for the community members who believe in Mark Twain Elementary and all it stands for. We hope we can count on your support to sponsor our special school. With a vibrant community of teachers, administrators, parents, neighbors, friends, and sponsors, we nurture students into well-rounded global citizens. Our school relies on community support to sustain our high level of academic excellence.
We are dedicated to showcasing our partners both on campus and through our online platforms (@marktwainpto and www.marktwainpto.org/pto). Through events and additional outreach, the PTO maximizes your tax-deductible donation by enhancing your business's visibility within the Twain community. We hope you will find the perfect opportunity to both promote your business and support our school. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration and commitment to education. We look forward to hearing from you.
With gratitude,
Lauren Mills
VP Corporate Sponsorship
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.
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 –Amy Bahlo, 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 Amy Bahlo 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.
To order your student’s birthday gram, click here. For questions or to volunteer to help deliver Birthday Grams, please contact Martha Carruth, Alicia Dutton or Eva (Castaneda) Martinez at birthdaygrams@marktwainpto.org or fundraising@marktwainpto.org.