Otter dash 2026

Otter Dash is Opstad Elementary PTA's largest fundraiser of the school year! Donations received during Otter Dash make up the majority of funds the PTA has to support our teachers and students that year. 

Students are encouraged to help raise money for their school 

We want our students safe -no going door to door-  only ask people they know. Each student has an envelope for collecting cash/checks as well as the online fundraising page that they can share with family and friends. Here are a few ideas on ways your student may choose to raise funds:

• Make a quick video that includes details about the fundraiser and share it with friends and family
• Use your talents in exchange for donations!
  • Draw or paint pictures
  • Bake your favorite treat
  • Set a reading or running goal and ask for pledges in support

YES! Many companies will match your donation dollars. If eligible, submit your donation for corporate matching and let us know (opstadpta@yahoo.com) so we can add your matching gift to the fundraising total!

To kick off the fundraising, students get to celebrate and have a ton of fun dressing up for each themed day. They love this and have an absolute blast. It’s so fun to see their creativity!

Otter Dash Day is celebrated after the fundraiser ends! A running course is setup on the back field and each grade gets to come out and run, sporting their Otter Dash t-shirt! The run wouldn’t be complete without music, bubbles, and the big rainbow arch. When they’re all finished, they get to cool down with an Otter pop!

Glad you asked! Here are some of the many ways we used Otter Dash funds last year: 5th grade trip to Camp Seymour, yearbooks for every student, Otter Dash t-shirts, staff appreciation, popcorn Fridays, field trips, birthday bags, Toy Maker Workshops, trunk or treat, movie nights, bingo night, family dance party, Otters Outside, graham slam and so much more!