How to Help Your School Win $25,000 from UnityPoint Health

As a DJ who loves B100's QCA High School Football Game of the Week visits AND the father of a 9-year-old Moline student, I spend a decent amount of time at schools. I am a part of the PTO, and am the epitome of that annoying involved parent, and I get to see firsthand that our schools need more.

For example: I know our schools have needs and wishes, from big-ticket items like air conditioning (my daughter's school has been letting out an hour early on hot days lately because of a lack of AC) to more affordable items like updated gym equipment and musical activities.

Also, right now, on DonorsChoose.org:

• Mrs. Villarreal is trying to raise money for wobble chairs, beanbag seats, and balance balls so her Moline fourth-graders have more flexible spaces to read, work in groups and explore.
• Mrs. R is trying to raise money for hands-on STEM supplies for her 13 special needs students in PreK to 2nd grade in Moline.
• In Reinbeck, Ms. Lake is trying to raise money for "a crash pad and sensory play items for self-regulation and de-escalation."

Now, UnityPoint Health is offering a cool back-to-school promotion that gives us parents the power to help our schools out a bit. Between Sept. 17 and 30, the public can vote on UnityPoint Health's Imagine the Amazing site, and the school that gets the most votes will receive $25,000. The next 10 schools each will receive $1,000. Either way, there is a great chance you can help your child's school.

So, if you're one of those parents whose child's school could use a few more resources, get on this! I know I will be reaching out to my fellow PTO parents and giving them a heads up. It only takes seconds of your day to vote.

Why is UnityPoint Health doing this? They explain on their website:

While our thing is health care, schools are at the heart of communities, and we believe education is an essential part of living well and being well. We purposefully align our efforts with our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve. The Imagine the Amazing contest focuses on education because every school has a need and every kid has a dream – we're committed to investing in both to create a brighter tomorrow.

There are some rules: The money must be used to "enhance the well-being of students, teachers and/or learning environments" and "invest in a health and wellness need." And the school must fall within a specific geographic area. (Learn the nitty-gritty here.)

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Time to strategize!

Share the details in your parenting Facebook groups. In fact, tell everyone on all your social media accounts to vote for your child's school (or your favorite local school if you don't have school-age children). UnityPoint Health has created some nifty visuals that are free to download and will kick your publicity efforts up a notch. Remember, there is no limit to the amount of times you can vote from Sept. 17 to 30. So if you or someone in your circles is a stay at home parent, nap time will be a great time to vote endlessly.

They even have flyers, posters and small cards so you can pass out details to your kids' sports teams, school personnel, fellow parents at the bus stop — the possibilities are endless.

Ready to get started? Check to make sure your school is on the list and start reaching out to family and friends. Vote early. Vote often.

It is an honor to be a part of something like this. Like UnityPoint Health, we here at B100 believe in giving back to the community. Especially when it comes to our children and those who are teaching and preparing our children for the future.