Although I believe that fundraising in all school levels is necessary to supplement school equipment, there should be a limit to fundraising events. For instance have 2 major fundraisers; one in the fall/winter and one in the spring. There are other fundraisers throughout the school year; adopt a classroom, scholastic, book fair, candy grams etc... This area is too small to have 4-5 fundraisers at each school every year. As much as our local businesses want to support each school, for every fundraiser it just isn't possible. Yes, we can use the line "it's tax deductible", but when the business is hurting because of a weak economy the donation may not be worth the deduction.
As a parent I also start to feel nickle & dimed by the end of the school year. Not only am I doing my part to support the fundraisers, but I am also donating supplies to classrooms.
If I am giving money to only 2 fundraisers per year and I know where that money is being spent (for a computer lab, or making 21st century classrooms, etc...) then I would be more inclined to donate more money. Knowing that all the other fundraisers are out there makes me donate my money in other ways, leaving less money for the necessary improvements (like technology).
Maybe there should be a uniform policy about school fundraisers? When they can be held, limit the number of major fundraisers per year, cut back on the cookie dough/pizza fundraising and look into a healthy alternative... Not sure where to begin with this, but it's something all parents in the area should think about. Your schools PTO/PTA should be able to help get the ball rolling. Let your opinion be known at their meetings. Somthing like this surely won't change over night, but something can (and should) be done.