Garden School Parent Sues Over 'Mandatory' Fundraiser Fees

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — The parent of a former Garden School student is suing the Jackson Heights school over mandatory fees to participate in an annual fundraiser.

Queens resident Victoria Zunitch is suing the Jackson Heights private school in small claims court over the $120 she paid for her child to participate for three years in the Garden School PTA's annual Walkathon, which takes place each spring during the school day.

"School demanded 'donations' to participate in school activities (in departure from past practice)," Zunitch's claim reads.

Parents have to pay the school $40 for their child to participate in the daytime fundraiser, according to Zunitch and school officials.

Students whose parents don't donate stay at school during the event and meet with teachers, though Headmaster Richard Marotta previously told Patch that they can still participate in post-walk activities. This year's activity was a family-style luncheon.

Marotta did not respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment on the lawsuit.

Each year, the fundraiser brings in about $10,000 to $15,000 to support the school, according to PTA President Nicole Adams.

The Walkathon is one of several large fundraisers the Garden School holds each year. Tuition costs just over $19,000, but the school has a history of financial struggles.

"I don’t think it’s right schools have fundraisers during the school day and exclude children who don’t pay extra," Zunitch told Patch.

Zunitch disputed Headmaster Marotta's claim that students who don't pay the Walkathon fee can participate in the rest of the day's activities, which for the last few years included a carnival on Rory Staunton Field. The field was under construction this year, so kids returned to class.

Zunitch paid the fees so her child wouldn't feel excluded but did so "begrudgingly," she said.

"You shouldn’t have kids sitting in a room alone while their friends are outside playing because your parents didn’t pay an extra 40 dollars," she added.

Queens County Civil Court will hold the hearing for Zunitch's claim on Tuesday, June 11.