Mother Funders

Mother Funders is a compelling reality television series that debuted on Bravo TV Network in 2015. The series provides a deep dive into the intriguing world of fundraising events in the educational sphere. However, it's not just any fundraiser or educational context. It plunges viewers into the thrilling world of Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and all its politicking, drama, ego-play, and yes, genuine earnestness to better the lives of students.

Set in the small town of Locust Grove, Georgia, the show hones in on the cutthroat politics and intense dynamics of the local PTO, an influential organization collectively responsible for raising funds for the town's local elementary school. The mission is serious and meaningful: raise funds to support education in a school district that lacks adequate funding. However, the execution is wrought with interpersonal conflicts and heightened drama.

The series revolves around seven devoted mothers who make up the PTO board. Each episode takes an inside look at how their personal lives deeply intersect with their roles in the organization, making the massive task of school fundraising a personal, heartfelt battle. Carly, Amber, Robin, Shana, Amber B, LaShon, and Shanell are the devoted moms who accept the challenge of raising substantial funds for their local school, navigating through personal trials and tribulations, and engaging in power plays while they secure the best for their children's education.

Each of these women brings a unique personality to the board, creating an interesting and engrossing blend of opposing perspectives, personal dramas, and competitive battles. Carly, the PTO president, is driven, organized, and occasionally bossy, leading the dynamic and often disparate team to meet fundraising goals. Amber Crawford, the treasurer, is constantly balancing numbers and attitudes. Meanwhile, Amber Coulter, the secretary, seeks balance between the team and her own goals. LaShon Thompson, the historian, likes to remember the past but is forced to live in the present. Robin Dyke, the fundraising chair, brings creative event ideas but also her sharp tongue. Shana Koorse, the parliamentarian, enforces the rules, but her own past could jeopardize her position in the PTO. And, lastly, Shanell Jackson, member-at-large, embarks on the team to add her vision, only to realize the task might be too demanding.

Mother Funders shines a spotlight on the never-before-seen world of PTO drama. The PTO is often synonymous with bake sales and meetings, but this isn't any ordinary Parent-Teacher organization. This PTO is a well-oiled, professionally run machine with tens of thousands of dollars at their disposal. The team fundraises year-round, with activities ranging from candy sales to car washes, carnivals, and galas, among other events. Further ratcheting up the drama, at the end of each episode, the women are seen meeting together and voting on what to fund for the school, creating tension-laden, suspenseful moments that shed light on their relentless agendas and genuine passion for education.

The backdrop of this series is not just the PTO or the school. The show most importantly deals with the personal lives of these seven women: their families, children, the various stresses they face, and the sacrifices they make. Juggling their families, careers, and this monumental task of fundraising, these women are constantly at odds, providing viewers with heaps of drama and laughter. The viewer gets to see the women in their vulnerable moments when they feel pressured and the joyous moments when they succeed in raising funds for a specific cause.

Created by Ryan Seacrest Productions, the Mother Funders packs plenty of entertainment value, while also subtly urging viewers to seriously consider the importance of education and how it's funded in their local communities. The show and its exploration of the importance of parental involvement in securing quality education for all children make it an engaging, entertaining, and heart-warming watch.

Mother Funders, in essence, is a gritty, passionate, and sometimes comedic exploration of committed mothers navigating a cut-throat yet rewarding world of school fundraising. The drama, dynamics, and drive displayed by these women both on the PTO board and in their personal lives make for a reality show that's as unique as it is engaging.