Most fourth graders spend their afternoons doing what they’re
best at
– usually running around in the front yard or watching Sponge
Bob Squarepants on TV.
Most fourth graders spend their afternoons doing what they’re best at – usually running around in the front yard or watching Sponge Bob Squarepants on TV.
Nine-year-old Amanda Clink, however, seems to have developed a few more practical talents, as well, ones that her friends and teachers at Spring Grove School are particularly grateful for. Her entrepreneurial instincts (and a little help from mom and dad) turned a school fundraiser into a major moneymaker – Clink managed to sell $13,673 in candy in about two weeks.
“It costs a lot of money to run a school and keep it nice,” she said. “So I was glad I could help.”
While Spring Grove holds several fundraisers to benefit its Parent Teacher Organization every year, the annual candy sale is unusual in that it relies heavily on student participation. Each year, just after Thanksgiving, students take orders for See’s candy just in time for Christmas. The school takes a portion of the profits and feeds the money right back into the PTO’s general fund. While Amanda had participated in years past, this year is buy far her most successful.
“I didn’t really decide that I was going to sell a lot,” said Clink. “But my dad really wanted us to get candy for his customers, as a way to say Happy New Year to everyone.”
And dad’s, or Robert Clink’s, help proved invaluable. His work in the wholesale novelty and gift industry put him in touch with a lot of clients – which meant that the Clinks had a fairly long Christmas list. Despite the impressive sum Amanda was able to raise, only four or five names were on her order sheet – most of them members of her immediate family.
“When we added up all the money, I screamed,” she said. “It was pretty exciting … I had heard that we didn’t have enough money to go on any fieldtrips this year, but now we should be able to, thanks to me.”
Almost needless to say, Clink sold more candy than any other student at Spring Grove. When the packages of candy started to arrive, her orders alone took up a sizable fraction of a classroom.
As a reward for her efforts, Clink took home a much coveted prize: a $50 gift card promised to whoever sold the most candy. And she quickly put it to good use.
“I got a Christmas present for my dad,” she said. “Call of Duty 2, it’s a computer game.”
While her candy sales certainly proved impressive, those who know Clink best aren’t surprised.
“She’s a very confidant little girl,” said her teacher, Barry Marshall. “She wants to do everything, she just loves life.”
Despite her success, Clink says she doesn’t entertain notions of a career in sales.
“I don’t think I’d want to do something like that,” she said. “I like animals, and I like helping people. So maybe I’ll be a doctor, or a fashion designer, but not selling.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected].
