Rodgers Forge Fundraiser Seeks Sponsors

In the mood for a massage? Or a gift basket? Or how about a week in a Cayman Islands vacation home for $800?

The real prize, however, is where that $800 goes.

That's the genius of Tech Trek, a fundraiser hosted by the PTA, now in its 17th year.

will be held on Sunday, May 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Johnny Unitas Stadium on the campus. Organizers are seeking auction donations and local business sponsorships.

One part silent auction, one part family-friendly get-together, one part walkathon, the Tech Trek has raised more than $350,000 since 1996 for new equipment at Rodgers Forge Elementary, including projectors, computers and smart boards.

"Any type of tech that the school uses, that the kids use in order to learn, all the money goes towards that," said Kim Carter, Tech Trek's chair this year.

Students ask family, friends and neighbors to sponsor them for a 30-lap run on the stadium track, and they're cheered on by parents, teachers and even some Towson University athletes.

"It promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, encouraging your friend," Carter said. "It builds some good camaraderie."

Meanwhile, parents bid on items in the silent auction. Families donate gift certificates. Whole grades of students put together large baskets of prizes. Belvedere Square's 3Rideshop once donated a $100 skateboard. Gibby's Seafood chipped in last year with a dozen crabs.

Items start at 10 percent of their retail price. And sometimes, like with the Cayman Islands vacation last year, bidders end up with a real bargain.

"It was way under what it was worth, let's put it that way," Carter said.

Auction donations will be accepted up to the day of the event. Contact Carter at KimCarter6@verizon.net for more information.