Together we can climb any mountain
42nd Annual Hike-A-Thon
Nov 4 2026
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Note to Donors:
Save on processing fees - Pay by eCheck for a flat fee of $0.59 (otherwise is a 3.5% + the .59 cents).
All Donations are Tax Deductible. ID: 94-6173240
Corporate Matches: Did you know you could double or triple your impact with matching gifts? Learn more under FAQ.
42nd Hike-A-Thon Fundraiser
The 42nd Annual Mike Casey Sweeney Ridge Hike-a-thon fundraiser begins on September 25, 2026. This event is the Portola PTA’s largest and most significant fundraiser, contributing nearly 60% of the PTA’s total annual donation budget.
Fundraising Goal: This year, the PTA's fundraising goal is $60,000. Each student has a goal of raising $170. This amount can come from students, families, friends! We appreciate any amount donated.
Where Does the Money Go?
Your support is pivotal to the PTA’s ongoing efforts to provide our students with exceptional educational experiences.
This year, the funds we raise will be essential in supporting field trips, school events, assemblies, library books, and a variety of other enriching activities that help make Portola Elementary a vibrant and thriving learning community.
🗓️ TOP FUNDRAISER PRIVATE MOVIE THEATER PARTY
Students Raising $500+ ⭐ GLOW GOES TO THE MOVIES ⭐
Background
In 1985, Mike Casey took his Portola students on a hike up Sweeney Ridge to explore and learn more about the elementary school's namesake, Gaspar de Portolá. What started as an event with his classroom has grown into a cherished annual tradition involving the entire school and community. Leading up to the hike, students across all grade levels learn about the Spanish explorer Portolá, the Native American tribes that inhabited the area, and the impact these explorers had on the Bay Area. The ascent to the top of Sweeney Ridge is challenging but the reward is worthwhile; on a clear day, the vista is home to a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Francisco Bay to the east.
After 39 years of teaching, Mr. Casey retired and in 2010 the hike was named in his honor. Mike Casey's Sweeney Ridge Hike also celebrates the culmination of Portola Elementary Parent-Teacher Association’s (PTA) annual Hike-A-Thon fundraiser.
Students, teachers, and staff at Portola raise money during the month prior to help fund numerous programs and events for the current school year to enrich our school environment that our school could not offer otherwise.
The Portola PTA enriches student learning and creates long lasting connections between the school families and the community.
Your donations make this possible! Donate Today!
Thank You To Our Generous T-Shirt Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors
Portola Family!
Portola Family!
Portola Family!
Silver Sponsors
Portola Family!
Portola Family!
Portola Family!
Portola Family!
Community Sponsors
FAQ
WHEN is the Hike?
The hike will take place on Wednesday, November 4 2026. The event will happen during school hours. Everybody will gather for a morning assembly to learn about the history of the hike, followed by safety reminders, and each teacher will lead their class onto their hikes. All students will return just before lunch. A flyer will be sent home to prepare students a week before the hike.
WHERE is the Hike?
We will start at Portola Elementary and hike up the Sweeney Ridge Trail and back. Younger grades will cover a shorter distance.
Is the Hike-a-thon a 'Pledge to Donate' fundraiser?
No. No matter how much each student raises prior the hike, students (unless opted out) will be joining their class and hike the distance set by their class' teacher.
I want to ask others in my network to donate. Do you have a sample email I can use?
Here is a sample email that includes your student and teacher's name that you can use to send to your network. We also encourage including a video message of your student (sample script here) if you’re requesting donations digitally. Here is a sample video on the right of what it can look like.
How do I donate?
On our Hike-A-Thon fundraiser page, scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on the "Hike-A-Thon donation". If you want to attribute your donation to multiple students or teachers, please make those donations separately. E.g. If a parent wants to donate to two kids, they would need to add to cart twice.
What are the goals of the Hike-a-Thon?
Our goal is to reach 80% participation in every classroom, with a suggested fundraising goal of $170 per student. Every contribution counts—no matter the amount!
We understand that every family’s circumstances are different. Our hope is that each student can participate in a way that works for their family, whether through a personal contribution or by reaching out to family, friends, and neighbors who want to support their educational community.
When we all participate and work together, even small donations add up to a big impact. Together, our school-wide goal is to raise $60,000 to support the programs and experiences that benefit all of our students.
Are my donations tax deductible?
Yes, your donations are tax deductible. Please use our tax identification number 94-6173240.
Corporate Matches
Did you know many corporations offer corporate matches? Some offer 1:1, which means every dollar you donate to Portola PTA, your corporation will match and donate the same. In the Bay Area, these companies include (but not limited to): YouTube, Google, Salesforce, Wells Fargo, The Gap Corporation, Visa, Levi Strauss & Co., PG&E, Marin CABT, LinkedIn. Ask your employer about your eligibility.
When does the Hike-a-thon fundraise close?
Our Hike-A-Thon fundraiser will run beginning on Sept 25th 2026, until November 4th 2026 but please consider donating today. The hike is on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Students from all grade levels will start at Portola and will walk to the top of Sweeney Ridge.
How do I check how much I've raised?
Email Mary! MYee@PortolaPTA.org. We will be happy to share with you your status!
Questions? Email Mary: MYee@PortolaPTA.org
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