We visited all 50 states and the District of Columbia in just over nine months. Parent Booster USA traveled the country and extended its arms to schools, booster clubs, and conferences. This year has been our most ambitious one to date, and we couldn’t think of a better way to ring in 20 years of supporting school fundraising organizations.

Let’s check out the stats –

• 33,000 miles on the road
• 105 nights on the road
• 80 EV charging stations
• 40 stops at school districts
• 26 flights
• 10 workshops
• 5 rental cars
• 1 conference
• 1 COVID-19 quarantine

How did we do it?

Completing the 50-State Tour was a true team effort. Sandy Englund, the founder of PBUSA, took on Arkansas and New Mexico. Meanwhile, her son Jack Englund, Director of Member Development at PBUSA, covered the other 48 states and Washington D.C.

Each trip was fast-paced: we would wake up in one city, conduct business, and then drive to the next destination. When we flew, it was to kick off a road trip to a new location. We dedicated weekends to repositioning ourselves for the next leg of the journey.

What was the purpose?

Education! At PBUSA, we are passionate about empowering the public with knowledge on best practices for school fundraising organizations. On our journey, we delivered engaging workshops on essential state filings and 501(c)(3) compliance in venues ranging from public libraries to community clubhouses, school district offices, and so much more.

Jack kicked things off with incredible energy, crisscrossing nine states in the New England region during the heart of winter to provide valuable resources and office supplies to local school district offices. We launched our exciting “Booster Boss! The Workshop” in Las Vegas at the Summerlin Public Library. and carried on to seven other states, presenting the workshop twice in Minnesota.

Seaside in Provincetown, MA.

April and May were packed with excitement and challenges. With all the traveling Jack did, the risk of getting sick was always looming.

In April, full of excitement to take a business trip to Hawaii, Jack woke up in his hotel room after arriving in Honolulu quite ill. A COVID-19 test confirmed his fears: he tested positive. What was meant to be a fabulous and educational trip turned into a week-long quarantine before he could return to the mainland and tackle the Big Sky Loop.

From Utah to Denver, Jack embarked on an epic 1,800-mile journey, crossing through five states. Along the way, marveling at the stunning beauty of Yellowstone, and visiting more schools as his traveling continued.

May was quieter, but just as adventurous. The journey from Florida to Alaska was no small feat. Jack navigated his way through Portland, Oregon, Seattle, and Washington, and even spent a night in Canada before continuing to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, and Palmer, Alaska.

Entering Yellow Stone National Park in Wyoming.

The view from atop a glacier in Alaska.

How do you tackle the Eastern Seaboard, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan? Easy-peasy: charge up the EV and wave goodbye to Florida for July! We had a blast presenting “Booster Boss! The Workshop” four times throughout the month while also delivering resources and supplies to the districts along our travels.

Booster Boss! The Workshop in Pittsburgh PA.

In September, we hit the international stage at the Association of School Business Officials International Conference and Expo. We brought PBUSA General Counsel Drew Englund along for the ride, where we balanced the scales and discussed how to foster a healthy relationship between schools and booster clubs.

Our travels took us through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Montana, and Minnesota, allowing us to build new connections with school district staff. Along the way, we marveled at the stunning sights, landmarks, and landscapes that make our country so incredible.

What did we learn?

Booster club challenges are universal. No matter where we go, we all face the same questions – whether it’s how to establish your first set of bylaws or understanding individual fundraising accounts. These common themes resonate nationwide.

School district staff are the unsung heroes. They work tirelessly to support school fundraising organizations. We met with amazing staff members dedicated to providing resources and training to the volunteers who raise funds for their programs.

The 50-State Tour was a remarkable journey for Jack and Sandy, one they will cherish forever. What’s on the horizon for 2025? It is too soon to tell, but we’re excited about the bright future ahead. We can’t wait to meet even more people and continue spreading our educational mission.

Do you want to see PBUSA on the road in 2025? Let us know!