Sailor R.A.C.E

The Sailor RACE campaign sets sail on January 17 and runs through March 1. The money raised through the Sailor RACE helps ensure that every Cottage Lake Elementary student receives a well-rounded, enriching educational experience. 

The 2025-2026 Sailor RACE campaign's financial goal is to raise $10,000 (approximately $35 per student). From $5 to $ 1,000, EVERY donation goes directly to the Cottage Lake Elementary, and EVERY student, teacher, and family benefits. 

The overall goal is to have every family participate - whether through a donation or otherwise!  Ways to participate include donating, volunteering, or responding in the form linked below. No monetary donation is necessary to participate. 

Why We Fundraise

Each year, the PTA spends approximately $265 per student to bring learning experiences and opportunities to our school. Your generous donation allows the PTA to continue funding amazing programs that make Cottage Lake an exceptional place to learn. Learn more about how your donations make a difference HERE.

How to Participate

Look in your child’s backpack the week of January 19-23 for more information on how to participate in Sailor RACE. Below are three different ways your family can participate.

• Donate. Donate HERE All donations are 100% tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt from Cottage Lake PTA after you’ve submitted your donation.

• Respond. Fill out this form. Respond HERE Our goal is to have every family participate! Every family that responds (regardless of whether they donate) counts towards our participation goal.

• Volunteer. Do you want to get involved but need more flexibility? There are a variety of volunteer jobs that can be done based on your schedule! Email fundraising@cottagelakepta.org for a list of opportunities.

School Wide Participation Rewards

Every Sailor family that participates (donating, responding or volunteering) will help our school earn school wide participation rewards! Our goal is 100% participation! We some fun school wide rewards in store for when we hit 50%, 75%, and 95% participation! 

• 50% - We'll celebrate our success with 15 minutes of Extra Recess and Music! We’ll fill the playground with joyful, celebratory music, for students to enjoy for an extra 15 minutes!

• 75% - Class-Chosen Themed Dress-Up Day. Each class will get involved by voting on a school wide dress-up day for an upcoming Friday.

• 95% - School Wide Art Project. Our fantastic Art Docent program will lead a unique, schoolwide art project, showcasing what Cottage Lake Elementary can accomoplish when we all work together!

Employer Matching

Amplify your donation by participating in your employer’s Corporate Matching Program (be sure to note it on your form so we can complete employer matching requirements on our end). Are you curious whether your company offers employer matching? Visit our Employer Matching page to determine next steps.

Giving is not just about making a donation it’s about making a difference.