Glenorchy School trustees say they would not be able to afford vital literacy and numeracy materials without the money raised at the annual Glenorchy Races.
Glenorchy School Friends, Parents and Teachers Association member, Thor Davis, said totals were still being counted from this year's school barbecue at the races, but he estimated about $4700 was raised after expenses.
Glenorchy School board trustee and principal Mary Lou Grant said the money was used every year to top up literacy and numeracy materials, and to invest in science and computer technology.
"We just couldn't do it without that support from the races. The money extends the purchases we can make which are usually pretty expensive. They are things you normally can't finance under the annual government budget," she said.
Nearly $1000 of last year's profits were used for a single mechanical robot, she said.
Race organiser Pete Reid said about 2500 people attended the 49th annual gala event, and just under $15,000 was raised in total.
Mr Reid said despite a timing clash with the National Sevens tournament in Queenstown, and the resultant effect on attendance, there were no plans to change the date next year.
"We tend to always clash with something. For a long, long time it's been on the first Saturday of every year and we plan to keep it that way. We usually see a bigger drop in numbers when we clash with the Wanaka Rodeo."
Next year's event will mark the 50th Glenorchy Races, and Mr Reid said ideas are being discussed to "make things a bit more special".
• Glenorchy School has 35 registered pupils for the 2011 school year, which begins on February 2.
