That's a waste. Even if the money was donated for that purpose, it's a waste. And it doesn't make sense.
There are so many examples of money being wasted - or at the very least not being spent wisely. We just don't stop to think enough about it. People are hired for positions that aren't necessary, or the people aren't effective in their jobs. Materials are purchased for every classroom - even when every teacher doesn't need the materials. Field trips are taken for the sake of a vacation from the school day, rather than with education in mind. We spend money on party favors that don't make the parties that don't make the parties any more memorable for students (and again, I wasn't contracted to be a party planner; I am a teacher).
Many of these things aren't to impact students culturally, academically, or emotionally. They don't affect student health or career preparation. I'm talking about funds that could be better spent to engage students and truly make their education memorable. Some teachers seem to believe they are in a school solely to make it fun.
Saying that makes me sound like a Scrooge, and I even caught myself muttering his infamous catch phrase recently regarding this very subject, but I am not against a fun school experience. I just think some are short-sighted when they don't tie the fun to an actual lesson or class project. Why isn't your class enjoyable and fun on a regular basis, rather than stopping the class to have a standard, traditional party? Why spend money on party decor and trinkets that will soon wind up in the trash when you could spend those funds on something that can be used again and again. Again, short-sighted and wasteful. Can't we do better?