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OTEGO - Some students at Otego Elementary School got a special treat Thursday as a reward for helping the school’s Parent Teacher Organization raise money for the school. Students who reached a pre-determined goal for the yearly catalog fund-raiser were able to ride in a limousine for a half-hour "limo lunch ride," said Jennifer Demopoulos, president of the school’s PTO. "They’re very excited," Demopoulos said Thursday morning about the students. "It was the grand prize for everyone." "They just did so awesome, I couldn’t believe it," Demopoulos said. "I was thinking maybe 15 or 16 would be able to do it." Demopoulos said 39 students were able to meet the $180 goal. The top seller, fourth-grader Emily Pickard, raised nearly $440, Demopoulos said. Catalog items included chocolates, gift wrap, collectibles and gourmet foods. Overall, Demopoulos said, students raised $13,200. The school will keep 50 percent of that money. "I think the incentive really paid off," Demopoulos said. The organization rented the limousine for three hours so that all 39 students could ride, she said. Money for the rental came out of reserves and not money that the students raised, Demopoulos said. It cost just more than $200 to rent the limousine, she said. This was a unique experience for the students, said school principal Helen Anne Livingston, and the school and the PTO had wanted to do something different for students and staff. "The limo ride was very well received," Livingston said. "It’s not something you see that often in the community. Livingston said money the PTO raised will go toward assemblies, recreational equipment for the school and other student activities. Previous money had gone for field trips, Livingston said. "All fund-raising moneys that the students do go directly back to the students," Livingston said. "It all goes back to the kids." It was hard work to raise the money, some students said. "It’s worth it," said fifth-grader Kevin Shayer. Students looked excited as they waited for the limousine to arrive, and then to take them for a trip. "I’ve never been in one," said fifth-grader Traci O’Donnell. "Riding in the limo was the best part," said Kevin’s classmate Codie Nichols. The boys said they enjoyed being able to ride and talk together, chew gum and eat lunch in the limousine. "It’s like when stars go in limos," said Paul Mabie, a fifth-grader who went after Kevin’s and Codie’s group. "I want to brag to my brother." Find in-store sales and deals before you go shopping. To search, choose a collection, then enter words and phrases, separated by commas (e.g., search, jet engines, basketball). Maytag Portable Dishwasher. Butcher block top $100. Call 264-3755 Weekdays 9-5. The Daily Star.com is owned and operated by The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 - (800) 721-1000. Copyright (c) 1998-2005 The Daily Star. All rights reserved . This is cache, read story here
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