COARSEGOLD, CA – Raising money for class field trips has long been a tradition in mountain communities. This year, the Coarsegold Parent Teachers Organization (PTO) decided to mix things up. “In the past, we’ve raffled off items like TVs,” said Melinda Gresham, principal of Coarsegold Elementary. “This year, we wanted to do something more grassroots and get the kids involved.”

Thanks to property provided by staff members, students from grades 5, 7, and 8 rolled up their sleeves to contribute. With their own hard work and donations of wood from community members, the students have already prepared three cords of firewood to be raffled off. “The kids were out there doing the legwork, cutting and stacking the wood,” Gresham explained. “We’re trying to change things here, shift the culture a little bit, and getting kids engaged in positive activities is essential.”

Fifth graders will use the funds to embark on an overnight trip to Sacramento—a longstanding tradition for students throughout the state. The seventh and eighth graders will travel to Sonora. These trips are not cheap, with the projected cost for each student estimated at $400. What better way to fund this adventure than by selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a cord of firewood for just $10 each?

Raffle tickets can be purchased using Venmo, https://venmo.com/u/Melinda-Gresham-1. Winners will be announced on Friday, November 7th, 2025, and the lucky recipients can look forward to local delivery by the very students who cut the wood.

This unique fundraiser is not only a great way to support the students but also provides them with a meaningful experience that fosters teamwork and responsibility. Join us in making this initiative a success!

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