Boundless Play: Your Gift Will Be Doubled
- Boundless Play Committee
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 11
We literally cried when an anonymous donor stepped forward with a $100,000 matching gift that can be unlocked through donations to the Boundless Play, Boundless Impact playground campaign. What once felt daunting amid shifting economic winds has turned into hope — and renewed determination for our committee.
Now, we’re pushing forward with confidence, ready to unlock every dollar so Beattie Elementary can have its dream playground — possibly as soon as next school year.
Where We Stand
Playground cost: $420,000
Lincoln Public Schools contribution: $150,000
Current PTO donations: Approximately $75,000
Funds still needed: $195,000 — half of which can be covered by the match
What we’re doing
Our playground committee continues to apply for local grants and recently submitted two new proposals. We’re also seeking in-kind donations of materials, especially concrete, which alone is estimated at $107,000.
Sponsorship packets are going out this week to neighborhood businesses, major Lincoln employers, and healthcare providers who share our commitment to children’s wellness. If you know a potential partner, please email us — because every dollar matters and every partnership strengthens our effort.
When we do the math, we know we need about $95,000 to unlock our match, and our goal is to reduce the burden on families while depending on our business community as much as we can to fulfill this need.
You can help
We know families are feeling the pinch from inflation and higher prices, from lack of food resources, higher rents, higher insurance rates, and more. Financial contributions aren’t the only kind that make a difference. Sharing our blog and our social posts elevates the visibility of this effort and will lead to its ultimate success.
You can still donate
If you feel you are able, any donation – whether it’s $5, $10 or $50 – makes a difference. Your donation will be doubled, bringing us twice as close to our goal. All gifts are tax-deductible, and every donor will receive a receipt for tax filing. Here are the ways you can donate:
Check
Payable to Beattie PTO with “Playground campaign” in the memo line. Checks can be dropped off at the Beattie office or mailed to: Beattie PTO Attn: Playground Fund, 1901 Calvert St., Lincoln, NE 68502. 100% of these funds go directly toward the playground campaign.
To maximize impact, Beattie PTO has placed Boundless Play donations in secure certificate of deposit accounts with Security First Bank:
CD 1: $26,057.11, matures 2/8/2026 @ 3.95% — earning $1,029.26 in interest.
CD 2: $21,434.39, matures 12/10.2025 @ 4.15% — earning $889.53 in interest.
CD 3: $23,102.17, matures 02/08/2026 @ 3.95% — earning $912.54 in interest.
Venmo
Find our Venmo here. Include “playground campaign” in the note. (Venmo deducts 1.9% + $0.10, so a $50 gift brings $48.95 to the campaign.)
PayPal
Find our PayPal here. Fees are 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction, meaning a $50 gift brings $48.52.
Learn more about donations on our Boundless Play, Boundless Impact FAQs page.
Get Up to Speed
New to Beattie? Here’s what you should know.
Our playground is 40 years old, and over the past five years, playground pieces have been removed one by one for safety reasons. It’s time to rebuild.
The school’s vision is a playground for every child — one that promotes physical and mental wellness and offers essential “brain breaks” throughout the school day. It’s an investment in our students’ future and in our entire community.
The design includes features built specifically for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students (plastic slides can interfere with cochlear implants), neurodivergent learners, and others who benefit from inclusive, sensory-friendly play. View the playground plans here.
Let’s Work Together
The Beattie community has already proven its commitment to our students, our school, and this project. Let’s finish strong. Together, we can build something incredible — a playground that reflects the heart of our community and truly speaks every child’s language.
