FRIENDS OF MATHEW for kids

About the Program

Friends of Mathew® is a popular program for kids because it is managed by kids like you. As kids, you are responsible for forming committees, coming up with fundraising ideas, and carrying them out. Teachers and parents often serve as advisors, but ownership of the group belongs solely to you and the other kids involved.

Friends of Mathew program helps to increase awareness of Paul’s Project’s mission and involves more people in helping to families of critically ill children. Friends of Mathew is managed by kids like you!

But Friends of Mathew does much more than that – it fosters the value of community service by providing you with hands-on experience in helping others. It also provides a mechanism for building school spirit and creating an additional partnership between children and teachers outside of the classroom.

The opportunities available for fundraising activities through Friends of Mathew program are endless – anything from a bake sale or penny war to a dance marathon or student/teacher basketball game – it's all up to your imagination.

Project Ideas

Friends of Mathew projects are limited only by your imagination. You can select from some of the ideas listed or come up with an inspired idea of your own. Remember to get approval from your local representative before you start.

Have a "penny war"

Arrange for a contest between grades or homerooms to collect the most amount of pennies. Silver coins and dollar bills can be put in the opposing team's containers to count against the pennies. Have prizes such as a "pig out party" with "p" foods – pizza, popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, etc. You may want to find a bank that is willing to count the pennies.

Hold student/teacher games

Organize basketball, softball, volleyball, or flag football games between students and teachers. Charge admission to the games and sell refreshments. You can also hold a raffle during the games.

Host a dance marathon

Reserve the school gymnasium and ask a local deejay to donate his or her services. Have students pair up and obtain pledges from relatives and friends. Determine a length of time for the event (for instance, five hours).

Announce a dress down day

If your school has a dress code, find out if students can contribute a small fee to wear casual clothes for the day. Teachers can participate too!

Coordinate a "Superstars for Wishes" event

A committee of students cuts out stars made of construction paper. Students purchase the stars and write their wishes on them. Then hang the stars in a popular area of the school, such as a hallway or cafeteria.

Sell candy-grams

For 50 cents, kids write messages to friends and teachers that are delivered during the day. Each message is accompanied by a piece of candy. Candy-grams work especially well around a holiday.