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."
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:14 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:14:04 GMT
Parents at a Port Richmond playground say they fear for their kids' safety. They feel intimidated by a street person living, nearly full time, in the park!
Parents at a Port Richmond playground say they fear for their kids' safety. They feel intimidated by a street person living, nearly full time, in the park!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-06-12 22:34:31 GMT
The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:37:38 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:35 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:49 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:49:38 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:45 GMT
Thursday weather looks spectacular with mostly sunny skies and low humidity levels. A light jacket may be needed early in the day with lows in the 50s, but under sunny skies temperatures climb into the low 80s. Along the coast highs top out in the mid 70s. Winds will be out of the WSW 5-10 mph. High 83. Low 58.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:37 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:37:01 GMT
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag! A study done by the "Ready To Glow" campaign says that simple things like a smile from a stranger or being told "I love you" makes
The best confidence boosters for women are the ones without a price tag!
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