A Tucson man has taken the Groupon model to another level, creating a website that not only offers daily deals for local businesses but raises money for area schools at the same time.
Bargainsthatbenefit.com is the brainchild of Scott Cassell, a Tucson father who learned upon enrolling his son in kindergarten just how strapped for cash schools are.
"Frankly, we are all frustrated that Arizona schools are grossly underfunded and are being left to raise much-needed funds on their own," Cassell said.
The website, which was launched Thursday, will donate 10 percent of every dollar spent to the purchaser's school of choice.
Cassell calls his effort a no-work fundraiser compared with the endless sales of cookie dough and wrapping paper that students engage in each year.
"This way people get a bargain; they're supporting local businesses; and a portion of the proceeds goes to a good cause," he said.
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The daily bargains will give consumers the chance to save at least 50 percent at local restaurants, salons, spas and theaters, and on trips and other activities.
It took six months to get the website off the ground with the help of three others - Diane Nuefeldt whose daughter is a teacher; Hans Rhey who has a background in sales and two children in school; and Allan Oakes who also has sales experience.
To kick off the launch, the website is offering two special deals that will benefit the Educational Enrichment Foundation, which supports the Tucson Unified School District, the Sunnyside Foundation, the Sahuarita Foundation and Tucson Values Teachers.
The first deal is for Casa Video: two movie rentals for $3.50 through June 22. That will be followed by deep discounts at Desert Sports and Fitness from June 23 to July 6.
Unlike the daily deals, which will begin on July 7, 100 percent of the proceeds from these two offers will be donated.
Lissa Gibbs, executive director of the Educational Enrichment Foundation, applauded Cassell's effort.
"It is helpful to our community to have a tool like this," she said. "Anything that puts more resources directly in the hands of teachers and students is a good thing in our state right now - our schools need it and our kids need it."
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
