Booster Club seeks to help sports programs at valley public schools
Current IVHS track conditions are not desirable for meets (Photos by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
From our weekly issue dated March 19, 2008
A new Booster Club was formed during May 2007 to enhance Illinois Valley public school activities beyond those provided by Three Rivers School District.
Members raised matching funds for a press box at the new I.V. High School football field during ‘07, and have plans for an all-weather track at IVHS. Funds for the press box came with the help of annual Rotary Club Duck Derby proceeds and other donors. The same plan is in mind for the new track.
A fun fund-raiser is planned for the all-weather track. The existing track is inadequate for hosting competition. The track proposed is the size and type seen at college and Olympic track events, with a fast-draining running surface, well-marked lanes, announcing stand and plenty of spectator bleachers.
The cost for a new track is approximately $180,000.
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Noted Booster Club President Mary Reynolds, “Benefits of an all-weather track include ‘Cougar Pride,’ ability to host track meets in Cave Junction, more revenue for the IVHS Athletic Dept., a faster track surface for practice and competitions, and use by Lorna Byrne Middle School students.”
Reynolds added that the new track could be used for the public, while promoting exercise and fitness, and provide an adequate facility for track clubs and local Special Olympics. She said that IVHS is the only 4-A high school without an all-weather track.
Donors could provide more money and match 2008 Duck Derby funds.
Some $28,500 was given to IVHS from the ‘07 Duck Derby, and the Booster Club raised matching funds for a “press box.” It is used by coaches to monitor the game action, school photographers and videographers, and members of the press, said Cheryl Winters, club Finance Committee member.
Reynolds said that her term will expire in May. She hopes that parents and other caring citizens will come forward to work on projects and fund-raiser plans, take over leadership positions, and help carry the club forward each year. Individuals will be aided by club founders to support I.V. teams and clubs.
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The club is discussing various ways to raise funds with fun community events. For example, students could compete in pancake-flipping, river rock putting, and three-legged races with parents or students from a rival school in a carnival-type setting. Fire Mountain Gems has donated $1,000 in prize money to be used at a fund-raiser.
The club’s vision is to help school clubs design their own sports events. The events would raise funds for IVHS, Lorna Byrne and Evergreen Elementary co-curricular activities, said Reynolds.
The Booster Club needs a meet coordinator, such as a coach, with parent, team and school organization participation to organize the fun event. Also needed are sponsors for cash expenses, whose names would be displayed at the meet; and student groups to staff booths and help with set up and tear down.
The club also plans a summer community carnival as another fund-raiser, featuring a variety of carnival booths, games, food, souvenirs, raffles and friendly competition. Participating school teams would share proceeds with the Booster Club.
A carnival coordinator is needed for this event, plus coaches, teachers, parents and local supporters to organize and run the carnival. The carnival could be held in conjunction with other festivals.
Reynolds mentioned the Blackberry Festival, Bluegrass Festival, Pioneer Days, Boatnik, Labor Day Festival and similar festivals.
Other easy fund-raisers also are in the works.
Club members invite others to join and collect their Shop Smart Food Warehouse receipts. The Cave Junction store will donate 1 percent of the sales to the Booster Club after the receipts are turned in to Shop Smart by the club.
Anyone who has a little time and a lot of enthusiasm is welcome to be a Booster, according to club members. Annual membership costs only $10 for individuals, $25 for families, $100 at the Silver Level and $250 at the Gold level, according to Winters.
There are other simple ways to help promote and support valley school activities to obtain the all-weather track and other club sports needs for students. The Booster Club represents the community interest in the public schools for civic organizations such as the Rotary Club, and increases the likelihood of greater proceeds from regional events such as the Duck Derby.
For more information, contact Reynolds at
jeffersonstate@frontiernet.net or 592-6262; or Cheryl Winters at 660-7428 or cherylandjeff@gmail.com. The Booster Club Website is at www.ivboosterclub.org.
