A cash-starved high school for at-risk students in Bucks County is putting itself up for "adoption" on eBay in hopes of raising nearly $600,000 to restore staffing and program cuts.
The ad, which describes the school as "slightly used, but extremely successful," was the brainchild of Casey Young, now a rising high school senior, but a troubled teen when he attended The Learning Center as a freshman.
Casey had firsthand knowledge of the power of online marketing. He says his dad put their family up for bid on EBay about a decade ago, drawing national publicity and at least one bid!
The winning bidder for TLC receives naming rights, a personalized coffee mug, a large, two-topping pizza and the right to choose a new school mascot.
"A beaver, a hedgehog or a groundhog," says Young. "All wearing an American Indian headdress."
Other choices run an extra $7.65.
"If you wanted hard enough," he says, "you could probably pull some strings and get a goat in there, if you want."
That's good to know.
School principal Joann Holland says she was "very concerned" when she first heard the online marketing idea, but thought it "was a very intriguing concept."
Holland says even a minimum id would allow her to restore services that help kids with emotional, social and academic troubles.
Her idea of the ideal bidder?
"I would think somebody that has a big heart and is willing to invest in students' futures...now, rather than later."
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:53:29 GMT
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
Friday, May 24 2013 12:41 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:41:43 GMT
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
Friday, May 24 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:53:36 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:37 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:37:26 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
