Jennifer and Jason Kline, of Freeland, have two active kids, so they know about forking over money in fundraisers.

They like supporting schools, Scouts and sports, but dislike it when large fundraising companies take the profits. So they started a business, Spirit Rewards Card, that sells discount cards to be used at North County stores and restaurants.

The cards are good for one year, with no limit on the number of times they can be used.

"We were up to our eyeballs in pizza and wrapping paper, and we thought there must be a better way," Jennifer Kline said. "With these cards, all the profit stays in the local community. Our motto is, 'Building community spirit one card at a time.' "

Organizations such as PTAs, Scout troops, sports teams and church groups buy reward cards from Kline. They pay $5 a card for up to 499 cards, $4.50 a card for up to 999 cards, and $4 per card thereafter.

The organization then resells the cards for $10. Each card comes with a list of 15 local stores or businesses that offer discounts.

The first nonprofit group to buy Spirit cards was the Anderson-Snyder Memorial Fund committee.

Committee members bought 250 cards and will sell them at a June 21 bull roast at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium to honor Marines Norman Anderson and Josh Snyder, who were killed in Iraq in 2005.

On their fronts, the cards have color photos of Anderson and Snyder.

On their backs, they list discounts between 10 and 20 percent at places like the Fill'erUp, Ali's Closet in Hereford, Gunpowder Bison & Trading in Monkton, Shear Country in Parkton and Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley, as well as special deals at Pulse Health & Fitness in Sparks, McDonald's restaurants in Hunt Valley and Cockeysville and the Pizza Hut in Shrewsbury, Pa.

"I tried to get a well-rounded list of discounts," said Norman Anderson's mother, Robyn Anderson, of Parkton. "We'll sell the cards at our Poker Run in August, too. I think it's a great idea."

Fifth District Elementary School's PTA is considering the Spirit cards fundraiser, said its president Jenn Bortner. "When we told Jennifer we were thinking about it, she went out and got vendors in our area to sign up," she said. "I was impressed."

Before starting up the fundraising company, Jennifer Kline called on local businesses to see if they'd be interested in offering discounts. Kline has enrolled about 30 businesses and stores willing to offer discounts. Each organization can choose the 15 that meet its needs.

Ayda Swartz, who runs the Fill'erUp gas station, convenience store and coffee shop on York Road in Maryland Line, was one of the first to sign on.

"I think it's a great idea," Swartz said. "The cards raise money for a good cause, and we hope to see an increase in business. It's a win-win."

For details, go to www.spiritrewardscard.com.

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