San Francisco schools turn parking lots into fundraisers during Outside Lands
As the highly anticipated Outside Lands Music Festival unfolds in Golden Gate Park, local schools in the Bay Area are seizing the opportunity to raise funds by offering their parking lots to festival attendees. This initiative not only aids in generating essential financial support for public education but also serves as a community effort that brings residents together.
Local Support for Education
Cameron Lutz, a first-time festival goer, shared his thoughts on the importance of educational funding, stating, “I’m a public school kid, and I think funding for public education is super important.” He and his girlfriend, Sydney Sosa, decided to park at Lawton Alternative School’s fundraising lot, paying for a spot before embarking on a 1.5-mile trek to the festival.
Sosa mentioned how they discovered the opportunity, saying, “Someone posted about it. There’s a bunch of schools in the area that rent out their parking lots. The parents volunteer for the school.” Lutz, who works as a consultant and coaches volleyball, emphasized the personal relevance of supporting public education, remarking, “Public school education has really faltered in the last couple of years. Supporting education for those who need it is the least we can do.”
Ten Years of Community Fundraising
Tim Murakami, PTA secretary for Lawton Alternative School, expressed excitement about the fundraiser, noting that they have been implementing this initiative for nearly a decade. “It’s a great turnout. In previous years we had to put out signs and tell people about it. This year, we sold out all presales,” he said proudly. The school managed to fill all 75 parking spots for the entire three-day event.
Murakami shared the financial impact, stating, “This is going to raise a little over $10,000. All of that money helps fund activities throughout the year. It’s one of our second or third biggest fundraisers.” The funds will go towards teacher stipends, equipment, extracurricular activities, and sports for the students.
Community Spirit Shines
The communal atmosphere at the festival, coupled with the support for local schools, creates a sense of unity among participants. Murakami reflected on this, stating, “Seeing everybody come out and support the schools as well as having fun is a wonderful thing for the community.”
| Parking Lot Fundraiser Details | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Lawton Alternative School |
| Number of Spots | 75 |
| Total Funds Raised | Over $10,000 |
| Duration of Fundraiser | Three days |
| Years in Operation | Nearly 10 years |
As the festival continues, the synergy between fun and community fundraising embodies the spirit of San Francisco, with locals uniting to bolster educational initiatives while enjoying the music and atmosphere of this cherished event.
