During the 2024 GOFA finale pepfest professor Mayo, top 5 Mrs. Olsen, Mr. Johnsrud, Mrs. Kuisle, Mrs. Keefe, and Mrs, Ekert (l-r) were the backbone in raising over 20,000 dollars
As December arrives, so does one of Mayo’s newer, but spirited traditions: Professor Mayo, the competitive, month-long contest in which teachers go head-to-head to raise money for our school’s annual Give One For All (GOFA) fundraiser. Although only in its third year, it has already become a highlight of Mayo’s GOFA fundraising month. Professor Mayo features participating teachers selling anything from baked goods, to store-bought items, crafts, or even to services by the professor themselves! Every dollar raised counts to their total.
In the past teachers were paired up in a bracket format, head-to-head style, and at the end of each week whichever teacher raised the most money moved on to the next round until a winner had been decided. This year the format will be altered slightly to encourage more participation: the tournament will still start as an individual tournament, but develop into a team tournament. For example if Mr. Parker and Mr. Giesen were facing off during the first week, if Mr. Parker wins, for the second round it would now be Team Parker (composed of both Mr. Parker and Mr. Giesen). They would then face another team from the other side of the bracket, in the next round if Team Parker loses to Team Johnson then everyone on Team Parker would join Team Johnson. This continues until the finale where there will be two teams composed of every participant.
The contest has already produced two unforgettable champions. Two years ago our inaugural winner, Mr. Jake Johnson set the tone, raising a massive amount of over $14,000, earning the first Professor Mayo trophy, which of course is a jar of mayo. Last year was a step up as the next champion Mr. Andrew Johnsrud raised over $20,000 with the help of runner up Mrs. Katie Kuisle.
In the midst of running away with the first ever Professor Mayo victory, Mr. Johnson and his team of students prepare their sales strategy.
More importantly, the energy behind Professor Mayo reflects the purpose of GOFA itself: using small acts of generosity to create meaningful change. While the competition is fun, every purchase students make goes directly to supporting the Dorothy Day House and the Women’s Shelter. The event has become a reminder that fundraising doesn’t have to feel like a chore; it can be a community-building celebration.
As GOFA 2025 begins, keep an eye out for your favorite teachers’ tables, carts, and pop-up sales (and to avoid their competition). Whether you’re craving a Monster energy drink, a cinnamon roll, or a chance to help your teacher clinch the crown, Professor Mayo is a perfect way to support a good cause.
