Kilmer takes over Culver’s for PTO fundraiser

Anyone who walked into or utilized the drive-thru at Culver’s on McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove on March 7 were in for a treat, in more ways than one, as the staff at Kilmer Elementary School took over the restaurant for an afternoon as part of a fundraiser for the school’s PTO.

While the school had previously held this fundraiser at a local McDonald’s, the venue switched this year as it was “not feasible” to hold it at the Golden Arches. This also marks the first time in a few years that the fundraiser was held, due to restrictions and public safety measures enacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Staff who attended the four-hour takeover either greeted students and families, aided Culver’s staff with any order confusion, or delivered meals either tableside or to any cars using the drive-thru. They also donned a t-shirt that read “A Kilmer’s Food for Fundraiser: Our Teachers are In-Curd-Able.”

“It was evident teachers, families and students really enjoyed themselves,” said Kilmer Principal Annette McBride. “Who doesn’t like cheese curds?!”

Culver’s made more than $2,000 in sales during the takeover, donating approximately $516 to the PTO. “They said it was the location’s most successful fundraiser in over three years,” McBride added.

An added incentive was the promise of free ice cream for the class with the greatest attendance, which was kept as anyone walked in the restaurant. The competition ended in a tie, with third graders in Tracy Snelson’s classroom and second graders in Anita Illy’s classroom receiving a voucher for a complimentary scoop of ice cream.

The funds raised will be used for various activities and events throughout the year, such as the Fall Fest, family movie nights and bingo night, Kilmer’s largest event. McBride adds that the PTO also gives each teacher $50 to spend on classroom materials and covers the costs for field trip buses. “Because of their generosity, every grade level was able to go on a field trip this year,” she notes.

There are plans to host the fundraiser again next year, and Culver’s may be tapped once again. “The staff was amazing; we truly appreciate all their hard work and efforts to make the event so successful,” McBride said.