Local organization offering fruit tree sponsorship to help Eatonville Elementary

As the days grow short and the last of summer’s apples take their place among the fallen leaves of autumn, it’s the perfect time to think about planting fruit trees. That’s the hope of the Eatonville Elementary School Booster Club as it launches its first-ever fruit tree sponsorship fundraiser.

“These trees will be an exciting benefit to our community and each class at Eatonville Elementary School for generations to come!” Rhiannon Frantz, who serves as Booster Club president, said.

Families of students at the school, as well as anyone else who is interested, are encouraged to “sponsor” a fruit tree of their choosing.

“We have apple, cherry, plum, prune, pear and eventually fig,” Frantz explained.

For a donation of $25, families or individuals can have a fruit tree planted in their name around the school perimeter or in various other suitable locations on the property. A tag will then be affixed to each tree identifying its sponsor.

“It’s a unique opportunity to sponsor fruit trees in our children's honor,” Frantz said.

The trees are intended to provide lasting benefits for current and future students of the school, including beautification of the school grounds, shade at recess, fresh fruit to pick and eat, and the opportunity to watch a variety of colorful fruits develop over the course of the year.

All funds raised will be applied toward the purchase of a greenhouse for the school, which will include a commemorative plaque listing all those who donated.

The trees and the greenhouse will serve as “a great educational resource for our students,” Frantz stated.

“They will learn what farm-to-table really means,” she added.

Ticket sales run from now until Nov. 16.  Prizes will be awarded to students and classes who raise the most money.

“We will be planting the trees the first week in December ... if not sooner,” Frantz noted.

Volunteers are encouraged to attend the work party to help with the planting effort. Coffee and food will be provided.

For further information on how to sponsor a tree, contact Frantz by email at dancingbeeapiary@gmail.com or call (360) 832-4491.