Saturday, October 14, 2023

Booksin Elementary School has held an annual Walkathon for over 30 years. This tradition is one of the most loved events at Booksin and our biggest fundraiser. Students walk to raise money for Booksin through pledges and to earn prizes for the miles they walk. In addition, BESCA raises money through activities, including the Teacher Fun Drawing, Fun with Friends, and a Silent Auction. 

Over 90% of BESCA’s annual funding is raised at the Walkathon event. All students and their families are asked to participate in the fundraising effort which supports the many enrichment programs and events for our students. 

WALKATHON MENU

   PLEDGING   |   PRIZES   |   2023 SPONSORS  |  DONATIONS | FUN WITH FRIENDS | TEACHER FUN DRAWING | SILENT AUCTION | CORPORATE MATCHING | PERMISSION SLIP | SPORTSDESK | SHOP | SPONSORSHIP

The primary focus for the Walkathon is walking. Students collect pledges for walking for their school. The pledges from Walkathon contribute over 75% of the total raised at the event. BESCA spends $250,000 - $300,000 annually, which goes directly into funding the enrichment programs and experiences our students enjoy each year, including art, music, garden, physical education, resiliency programs, field trips, classroom funds and more. 

Costs to fund our programs continue to increase each year. Every family is different. We anticipate donations in varying amounts, and ask that you strongly consider giving as generously as you can at a level that is comfortable for your family. Donating $300 per student via Pledgestar for Walkathon will help BESCA reach our goal. 

Students will collect Walkathon pledges beginning in September 2023. More information will be shared on Konstella and sent home with each student. 

While we know our kids would walk for the joy of knowing they're helping their school, we also know it's more fun to know your miles earn you fantastic prizes! From Walkathon themed toys to food to stuffed animals, our prize team works each year to have a fun slate of prizes to keep the kids walking for more!

Thank you 2023-2024 Walkathon Sponsors!

Booksin is the 2nd largest elementary school in San Jose Unified, which provides our sponsors  access to a highly desirable target audience. Sponsorships are available for $350-$1000. For  more information or to sign up as a sponsor, please visit http://mybesca.com/sponsorship. 

Top level sponsors receive:

1. Your logo on a shared banner displayed at all school-wide events this spring Your logo on a dedicated banner displayed before and during Walkathon

2. Your logo on the back of our beloved Walkathon T-shirt

3. Recognition in a school wide newsletter and on our BESCA website

Our walkathon includes a silent auction. We gratefully accept in-kind donations ranging from gift cards, unique experiences and merchandise. To make a donation to the silent auction, please visit http://mybesca.com/silent-auction-donations. Donations are due by September 22, 2023.

Many people in our community like to host parties or events at their house, so why not earn money for our school while hosting? Fun with Friends' hosts offer an event, such as dinner, wine tasting, poker night, or a hike, and set a maximum number of people they can accommodate and the price of a ticket. Anyone can purchase a ticket for a Fun with Friends event and all the proceeds from the tickets go to BESCA. Hosting or attending an event is a great way to support your school! 

Tickets to attend a Fun with Friends event will be announced on Konstella when the sale begins in September 2023.

Learn more here.

Teacher Fun Drawing is a much anticipated part of Walkathon for many students. We sell tickets for a chance for your student to attend a special on-campus, after school event with your child's teacher or the principal.

Learn more here.

The Silent Auction is a big part of our fundraising at the Walkathon. Items are donated by local businesses, community members, and Booksin families. All proceeds go to BESCA. For more details on bidding, please see the FAQ.

Sign in or register for Silent Auction Pro HERE and check out Booksin’s Silent Auction Catalog HERE! You can see the items in person on Saturday at the Walkathon. Bidding opens on Monday, October 9, 2023 and a majority of items will close on October 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

Many companies match charitable donations made by their employees. Corporate Match is a great way to maximize your contributions to Booksin - including monetary donations and volunteer hours. It’s free money for us and only takes a few minutes of your time.

Pledge donations should be made to Walkathon, on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Learn more here.

Each student should bring a signed Permission Sheet with them to Walkathon on Saturday October 14, 2023. Bring the permission sheet to your teacher at registration to receive your lap card.

The Walkathon Sportsdesk will not be offered this year - click through to find out more.

Join in the fun and support our Walkathon by purchasing t-shirts for you and your family and friends. Click here for more information.

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