From left: West Creek Principal Cory Pak, PTA Fundraising Chair Traci O’Connell, Wendy’s of Santa Clarita owner Rob Montgomery. Photo: Gary Choppe

Nothing says “End of School-Year Celebration” like a little extra money for school programs. At least Wendy’s thinks so. The local quick-service chain stepped up their school fundraising initiatives through a contest to help PTAs end the year with a little extra money they didn’t expect.

The Wendy’s of Santa Clarita PTA FUNdraising Contest was the first school fundraising event of its kind in Santa Clarita. The contest started with the idea of a typical “restaurant night” and then was extended over a six week period. The result was a spike in funds for local schools. Each school had the opportunity to earn 20% back for their PTA on every order from 3-9pm at Wendy’s if they simply mentioned their school from April 1-May 15.

“We enjoy looking for new and creative ways of helping schools raise money for important programs,” said Rob Montgomery, owner of Wendy’s of Santa Clarita. “We strongly support the growth and development of our youth. We know that the PTA works hard to maintain important programs at our local schools during a time when school budgets are being cut. We are glad we can do something to help,” he added.

When the contest ended, $1,258 was raised for fifteen local PTA’s. Winning school, West Creek Academy raised nearly $300 for their school by simply sending their community to Wendy’s for dinner regularly. This top spot in the contest earned them an additional $500 cash prize. “We thank Mr. Montgomery and Wendy’s of Santa Clarita for their generous donation,” said West Creek Principal Cory Pak. “The assistance of companies like Wendy’s have enabled our school to build many wonderful and effective programs for all students.  We appreciate and value our partnership,” he added.

West Creek Academy and dozens of other local schools will have another opportunity to earn more money next year. The PTA FUNdraising Contest ended just as many of the same schools are coming on board for the 2013-2014 Wendy’s Frosty Key Tag Promotion. Frosty Key Tags can be purchased at any local Wendy’s location for one dollar in exchange for free Junior Frostys with purchase for the entire year. The dollar spent will go back to the participating school the customer chooses. In the past, only Wm S. Hart District Schools have been eligible for the promotion. Now all SCV schools will have the opportunity to participate. Wendy’s is looking forward to assisting schools in raising even more money in the coming year.

Wendy’s of Santa Clarita has four locations serving the SCV every day. For more information on these and other future community events at Wendy’s or to learn more about how Wendy’s can work with your organization, please visit www.wendysofsantaclarita.com, email info@wendysofsantaclarita.com or contact Andrea Nelson at (818) 516-9810.