2026 Drive for Schools Fundraiser
Drive for Schools is a tremendous opportunity for Mount Madonna School students to raise money as 100% of the proceeds go directly to the school. Founded in 2005, and sponsored by the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Drive for Schools has successfully raised over $10 million total for local schools.
This year, the grand prize is $25,000 cash. There are also more cash prizes than ever – six $1,000 cash prizes, a $500 cash prize plus over 100 additional prizes! The complete prize list can be viewed here.
All elementary, middle and high schools in Santa Cruz County are invited to participate at no cost. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk provides the prizes, printed tickets, and publishes promotional materials. Mount Madonna School students sell the tickets for $5 each or $25 for a book of six and the school keeps every single penny raised.
Packets with tickets and instructions will be sent home starting Friday, September 11. Each student will have the opportunity to sell these tickets within their community and to friends and family members. Sales for the fundraiser ends October 18 at 11:59pm. All ticket stubs must be returned to Mount Madonna School on or before October 19 by 12:00 NOON.
The ticket drawing will be held on October 25 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
Email Kevict Yen or call 408-846-4042 with questions.
How it Works
Students will receive their initial ticket sales kits starting on September 11. The kit will contain 10 ticket books, Mount Madonna School swag to give away, informational flyers about the program, and an envelope to collect funds. Additional ticket books can be obtained at the upper campus office at any time throughout the sales period.
Payment for tickets can be made by cash, check or credit card online using the form at the bottom of this page. There is no sales tax or fees to worry about.
The monies paid for tickets are not tax deductible since they are a payment to purchase a tangible good (in this case, raffle ticket(s)) and are not considered a donation.
Students are encouraged to contact family, friends, and relatives to solicit ticket sales. In the past, families have also had great success selling in front of grocery stores, at farmer’s markets, and other local businesses and commerce areas. Older students or younger students with the help of parents, have also made videos to post on social media to solicit sales.
Sales amounts will be tallied per student.
Prizes are awarded to the top Individual sellers as well as to top selling grade levels.
Turning in Tickets:
Tickets can be turned into the upper campus office or to any teacher or administrator at any time during the sales period. There are three sections to the ticket. Below are instructions for what to do with each section:
Our Fundraising Goal for 2026
This year, we have a school-wide goal to raise $24,450 and an individual student challenge of selling at least six ticket books but more tickets are always available should a student exceed 6 books. In 2025, we raised an all-time Mount Madonna School record amount of $29,165 and were the top fundraising school in Santa Cruz County! Let’s work together to set yet a new all-time record!
Thank You for Your Support!
Be the first to buy tickets.
