Middle School sees 'gold ' in new fundraiser

Date: 11/9/2010

Nov. 8, 2010

By Chris Maza

Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW -- If you ask members of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at Birchland Park Middle School, they'll tell you that it's time to look for new ways to raise money.

Wrapping paper sales, candy sales, as well as classics such as car washes and bake sales are far too common these days which is why the PTO has decided to take a new spin on fundraising.

The Birchland Park PTO will host its first-ever Party of Gold fundraiser on Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the school.

The party is much like private gold parties that people host in their homes. Members of the community with old or broken jewelry can bring in the items and exchange them for money. A representative from the Party of Gold company -- an accredited Better Business Bureau company -- will be available to weigh gold, sterling silver or platinum and exchange it for a rate it claims is better or at least equal to the value one would receive if the items were brought to a jewelry store.

Money will be distributed in the form of a check.

So if money is being given away, how does the PTO make money?

According to Crystal Curtis, a representative of Party of Gold, like the host of a private party, the PTO will be given a commission, based on the weight of the precious metals collected at the event and the current price of those metals. A commission of 15 percent will be given to to the PTO.

PTO president Maria Murphy said this could be a very lucrative project because gold prices are at an all-time high. One person she knows made $3,000 by hosting a private party, which only offers a 10 percent commission.

Party of Gold will remove any precious stones from the gold that are on prongs, but warns that its representatives are not jewelers and are not responsible for damage to the stones.

The fundraiser will take place in the faculty lounge across the hall from the gymnasium. Those interested in attending should enter through the same door they entered in order to vote on Nov. 2.

Because of the uniqueness of the event, the PTO is unsure as to what the turnout may be and whether or not it will host more of these events.

For more information, please contact Maria Murphy at 525-0274 or Crystal@partyofgold.com,