Morgan Academy is using a brand new fundraiser to try to raise money to upgrade its playground.

The school will hold its first-helicopter golf ball drop Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. with a goal of raising $15,000. The fundraiser is simple, yet unique — golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter onto the school’s baseball field and the ball that lands closest to the pin in the outfield will win $5,000. The owner of the golf ball farthest from the hole will also win $100.

“To me it’s a new creative way of raising money, and it’s also fun,” Morgan Academy interim headmaster Karim Oaks said. “I think we get tired of the same old fundraisers every year so this is something for everybody to get excited about.”

The school held a car wash last year that raised $10,000, but the estimated cost of the new playground is $30,000.

“Our playground is old,” Oaks said. “When we bought that playground back in the early 90s, it was great, and it served a very good purpose. Years of children have played on it. It was great when we bought it, but it’s seen it’s better days. It’s time to upgrade.”

Oaks said the helicopter fundraiser is one she has been pushing for a few years now after her niece had a lot of success with it in Sylacauga.

Lauren Henry, the school’s director of communication and development, has taken the lead on the project.

“I think it’s going to be exciting to see,” Henry said. “We also have a home game at 7 p.m., so it’s just a really good night to have people come out to Morgan for the fundraiser and then to support the Senators.”

The winner does not have to be present to win, but Henry is encouraging anyone that buys a ticket to show up.  Each ticket is $20.

The school will also offer helicopter rides for $50 per person from 3 to 5 p.m. A portion of the charge for the helicopter ride will also go to the school, Henry said.

The helicopter for the event is from B&G Flying Services out of Clanton.

For more information on the golf ball drop or to buy tickets, contact the school at 875-4464.