Student entrepreneur starts fundraising enterprise

By Art Pulis, Sun Business Advocate

Blakeley's Loan Rangers are, left to right, Jessica Woods, Sarah Blakeley, Rachael Moore, J. Blain, Alexi Crissman, Phoebe Blakeley, Rhianna Hancock, Carly Shumway, Kara Peirce, Lindsey McCarthy

It is said that the definition of an entrepreneur is someone who sees a need and puts together an organization to satisfy that need in an economic fashion.

Over the course of this past summer Wickenburg High School student Sarah Blakeley recognized the need for public-school funding and set about forming a plan to help meet that need.

Undoubtedly somewhat motivated by her father Rick Blakeley's keen interest in education, Sarah realized that a school district has the opportunity to reap significant tax dollars through a tax-credit system that is underutilized in Wickenburg.

Unfortunately the tax credit system is somewhat complicated, cumbersome, and often misunderstood by the public. Consequently, most people don't take advantage of it and the schools suffer.

“When understood, the tax credit system is simple and great for both the tax payer the schools,” said Blakeley. “Where else can you feel good and get credit for an important contribution to the school, and then get one hundred percent of your money back. It's like having your cake and eating it too.”

“The problem is that people often don't understand how it works or how to go about the process,” continued Blakeley. “That's why we are putting together a team of students to educate the community on how the system works, motivate people to participate, and even help them with the process.”

Like a good entrepreneur, Blakeley sought the assistance of advisors, developed a detailed business plan, and is now in the process of implementing the plan. It calls for a team of 10 to 15 students meeting with organizations, clubs, and community groups to educate them on the workings of the tax credit system. From these meetings, the students will meet individually with taxpayers when necessary to assist in the process and collect the contributions for the schools.

The potential impact of such a program is significant. Each Arizona taxpayer can donate up to $200, ($400 for a joint return), and receive a 100 percent credit on their Arizona tax return. Blakeley's business plan estimates an average donation of $325 with a target of 500 donations yielding a net return to the schools of $165,500. This amount would be more than double what was collected last year through the same program. With the population of Wickenburg, the possibilities are many times that amount.

Funds collected under the tax credit system can be designated to and are restricted for clubs, sports, and activities. By law the money can't be spent for general education expenses, but it does help the schools since often the money will free up other money that can be spent for general education.

Blakeley recently formed her team of “Loan Rangers” who will be contacting the community. Certain team members have accepted specific responsibilities in administration, public relations, and financial areas.

In her organization meeting Blakeley stressed the efficiency of this program as a fund raising effort.

“We are all familiar with various fund raisers that are a whole lot of work and don't yield a lot of money for the school,” said Blakeley. “With this system our team will work really hard for a couple of months, but all of the money we raise will go directly to the school. There is no fund raising company or other expenses that have to come off the top.”

Blakeley's business plan calls for the operating expenses to be covered by local businesses that would be happy to underwrite things like brochures and posters to have their business names and logos as part of the program.

Like a typical entrepreneur, Blakeley is excited and enthusiastic about her team and the program. With that excitement and vision her endeavor should be successful.

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