Fundraising Period: SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 7, 2026
Event: OCTOBER 8, 2026 (OCTOBER 9, 2026 RAIN DATE)
It’s Skinnerpalooza Time!
Skinnerpalooza by Friends of Skinner West inspires students to give back to their community by creating opportunities to turn their ideas, talents, and efforts into meaningful support for Skinner West.
The money raised supports student classrooms, curriculum, programming, building upgrades, and fills in the gaps when other funding may lack. Since 2011, Friends of Skinner West has raised $1M+ for resources not covered by CPS.
This year, we’re challenging all of our Superstar Students to raise $125 between September 8 - October 7, 2026. At the end of the Skinnerpalooza fundraising period, we’ll throw the Skinnerpalooza Event for all students to celebrate their accomplishments and the new school year, regardless of how much they raise
Step One: Choose Your Adventure
Kids Who Read
Start a reading challenge and collect pledges.
Students can choose a goal: number of minutes read or number of books read. To raise money for Skinnerpalooza, ask friends, family, and neighbors to make a pledge to their reading goal.
At the end of the fundraising period, students share their achievement and collect the money they raised for Skinner West.
Kids Who Make
Get creative and start a small business pop-up business.
Set up a snack shop, sell friendship bracelets, host a bake sale, or sell framed pictures of your dog — anything goes!
Students can take to the neighborhood with their products and learn about making a product, running a business, and most importantly, math!
At the end of the fundraising period, students will use their profits minus expenses for Skinnerpalooza.
Have an idea not listed here?
Share with the class at hello@friendsofskinnerwest.org
Step 2: Collect Skinnerpalooza Rewards
Raise $125 and receive a Skinnerpalooza Thank You Pack
Raise $175+ and snag an invite to the Superstar Fundraiser Breakfast
The Top Homeroom from every grade will earn a pizza party lunch
All students, regardless of how much they raise, will party at Skinnerpalooza on October 8.
Step 3: Party at Skinnerpalooza Event
The Skinnerpalooza Event will be on October 8, 2026 during the school day for all students. Our Superstars will enjoy bounce houses, carnival games, snacks stations, DJ dance parties, craft stations, and more. The event is hosted by Friends of Skinner West with the support of staff, parents, and our superstar 8th graders!
Want to Volunteer?
Email us at hello@friendsofskinnerwest.org to get involved.
Step 4: Return your Envelopes and Make your Donation by October 8, 2026
Cash or check (made payable to Friends of Skinner West) can be turned in via the envelope.
Submit your donation via Zelle→ friendsofskinnerwest2011@gmail.com
Submit your payment online using the form below
If you submit an online payment, indicate that on your student’s Skinnerpalooza envelope.
FOSW is a tax exempt 501c3 charitable organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
EIN #82-0646733