Playground ribbon cutting delayed.

– Contributed photo

Playground ribbon cutting delayed.

Funding campaign driven by community support.

SHELBY — Shelby Public Schools Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) has recently completed its fundraiser for two district playground structures.

Over the past three years, the Shelby PTO has worked to help fundraise over $100,000, in total, to support and pay for new playground equipment at both New Era Elementary and recently, Thomas Read Elementary, schools.

The success of this project was possible through local and community grassroots outreach.

“This was the PTO’s third year of fundraising for these two projects,” said Shelby Public Schools Superintendent Tim Reeves. “Our district was fortunate to have great community support, especially when local businessmen Caleb Coulter, owner of American Apple, and Richard Raffaelli, COO of Peterson Farms, took it upon themselves to champion the final $35,000 push to get us across the finish line. Without these two community leaders, Caleb and Richard, and their efforts of directly contacting people encouraging them to support the playground equipment, we would still be fundraising.

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“With the help of many large and small donations, from supporters, we were able to purchase and install the second piece of equipment, the Thomas Read structure, before the first of this year,” Reeves said. “Our kindergarten through third graders have enjoyed using their new playground structure for well over a month.”

The district placed signs along State Street to thank the many donors.

Thomas Read Elementary School Principal Kara Vander Weele, first grade teacher Kristen Bisard, PTO President Chelsea Hayes, Caleb Coulter and Sophia Saunders.

Additionally, there were plans to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially invite the many community donors to see the new playground equipment, but because of the current ban on large group gatherings due to the COVID-19 crisis, the school district had to postpone the event.

“As a result of the abundant support, and giving to this project, we were able to use the additional funds and surplus to purchase handicap accessible ramps for these new structures, something we are very excited about adding,” Reeves said. “The outpouring of our Shelby community on this project will have a lasting and positive impact for our children.”