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TOMBSTONE — It’s become a familiar sight in the school’s courtyard — the yellow-and-black, 1972 Cutlass Supreme, that next month will belong to one lucky high school student.
Tombstone High School is running a novel contest to raise money for its athletic and other extracurricular activities, offering a ticket for a drawing to win the car for every $10 of tax credit donation money that a student brings in.
The fortuitously-colored vehicle (Tombstone High School teams are the Yellowjackets) is no doubt even older than some teachers of its future owner.
“Since both the car and the cash were privately donated, it’s all perfectly legal,” said principal Robert Devere. “We had the school district attorney check it out.”
 A 1972 Cutlass Supreme will be given away to one Tombstone High School student as part of a fundraising contest. (Submitted photo) |
The “cash” he refers to is the $1,000 that will be awarded to the student who attracts the most donations.
Every student enrolled at the school on Dec. 4 was awarded a complimentary ticket for the drawing, and now the rest is up to them.
Arizona law permits taxpayers to receive a credit on their state taxes for contributions made directly to schools for activities such as clubs, sports and field trips — typically allowing more students to participate and 100 percent credit on the donor’s tax return.
Taxpayers can specify what activity they wish to support, or let the school determine the money’s use.
The maximum contribution is $400 for married couples filing joint returns and $200 for single individuals and head of household.
It is not necessary to have a child enrolled in the school.
While the district makes no claims as to the physical condition or value of the vehicle, a quick Internet search discovered Cutlass Supremes of that vintage for sale at price tags ranging upward from $10,500.
The muscle car and $1,000 prize were donated by Doug Rohe, a Tucson tax accountant who owns a home in Tombstone.
Rohe was active at the Catalina Foothills High School before his children graduated. The vehicle belonged to his mother.
Taxpayers wanting to take advantage of tax credit donations to Tombstone High School may come to the school and write a check, indicating the student they wish to “credit” for the contribution.
A form is also available on the district’s Web site at www.tombstoneschools.org.
If taxpayers wish to take the credit for 2007, their donations must be received by the school or postmarked by Dec. 31.
The drawing for the Cutlass will be held Jan. 16 at Helldorado Town.
Regarding the $1,000 cash prize, in the event two or more students bring in an identical amount of donations, in typical Tombstone fashion the recipient will be determined by a game of “Show Low” immediately following the drawing.
Herald/Review reporter Cindy Skalsky can be reached at 515-4611 or by e-mail at cindy.skalsky@svherald.com.
THS Parent wrote on Dec 15, 2007 10:03 AM: