The raffle-selling,  which began October 5th, raised over $55,180, all of which goes directly to classroom funds, Panther Planners, library materials, emergency supplies, PE equipment, counselor funds, and much, much more.  

    “We need all of these things to keep MVMS the fantastic school that it is,” said Jeanine Berman, fundraiser organizer and “Pig Lady.”

     But the school fundraiser  wasn’t always about  selling raffle tickets and racing colorful furry pigs.  Until three years ago, students had to sell magazines door-to-door in order to raise money for the school.

    “The PTSA felt that if they changed it to a raffle/drawing and held Pig Races, students would be more involved and have more fun,” said Jeanine.

    It was a smart decision; the next year the amount of money raised almost doubled.

    The 34 pig race finalists raced their pigs for the last time on Friday, September 9th, the same day that raffle tickets were drawn.  Emily is a lower pod sixth grader and was one of the finalists. “I’m very excited,” she said while stroking her vibrant green pig, Key Lime.

    When asked why she thought her pig won the heat, Emily said, “I was the only green pig (in my race).”

Despite this, Emily did not win the $250 gift card and the title of Big Pig Race Winner that went along with it.  Instead, Sophie, of upper sixth pod (which also sold the most raffle tickets and received a free lunch on November 20th) won the race.  Her pig (bright red and named Piggy) beat 17 other big pig finalists and won her $250.

    Lorenzo, also in 6th grade, won the little pig races, and will receive a $150 gift certificate to the store of his choice.  Both winners seemed very happy about winning the races.

    The pig races this year were a huge success, and MVMS is a better place because of it.  Almost $10,000 more was raised this year than last year.  

    “So you see,” said Berman, “Every dollar raised benefits each and every student at MVMS.”