UPDATE: HASLETT - The Halls of Haslett High School are full of Alumni memories and many wallets are full with those little bronze, one cent coins. So what do these two things have in common? War.

Sue Maloney, board member for the Foundation for Haslett Schools said "The penny wars is really, primarily a way for us to get the alumni to get some money in the door and help us out. To give back to the school and to where they grew up and help support the school."

At Haslett High School graduates are encourage to donate to the foundation whether if be a 100 pennies or more.

Due to a 6 percent decrease in state funding for Michigan Public Schools, the Foundation for Haslett Schools is looking for ways to raise money to benefit the students.

Maloney said, "Our whole purpose is to help the schools with extra initiatives that are not part of their standard budget. And with the decrease that's occurred over the last number of years, our fundraising efforts have been even more important."

The Penny Wars was part of an even larger fundraising event called "Got Taste, Got Talent".

"It's two different events coming together as one. The "got taste" portion is highlighting local restaurants and caterers, to basically get a sampling of food. So, as a participant you'd come in and be able to sample all the different types of foods. There's also going to be demonstrations, so you can participate in that as well. The second half of the evening, that I think starts around 7:30 is the talent show portion and that is really recognizing a lot of our student who are involved in performing arts and who may not be performing arts students at Haslett." Said Maloney.

The winner of the first ever penny wars was the class of 1988.

If you are interested in donating, the best way would be to visit http://www.haslett.k12.mi.us/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=32 and make a tax deductible donation.





ORIGINAL STORY: HASLETT - Michigan Public Schools have seen a decrease in state spending. Stay tuned for what the Foundation for Haslett Schools is doing to make up for lost funds.