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Supporting Today’s Youth Sports Teams
"Parents expect to stand on the sidelines, cheering their child on when he or she participates in a team sport. With jackets, umbrellas and blankets in hand, parents are prepared to watch the game no matter what turn the Wisconsin weather takes. One thing many parents aren’t prepared for, however, is having to raise money for the team’s basic equipment needs. Bake sales, auctions and garage sales are among events parents of youth athletes should consider, as these and other fundraising efforts have become a vital part of almost any kids’ sport today.
Parent-run and school-sponsored sports clubs often require fundraising efforts of parents and/or the children engaged in the sport. When my son Michael joined the Junior Varsity football team at Monona Grove High School this year, we were surprised to learn that he was expected to sell 10 "Gold Cards" – credit-like cards that offer purchasers discounts or other specials at a variety of area stores and restaurants. Luckily, my husband and I come from large families and have siblings willing to support Big Blue while simultaneously getting discounts on their pizzas.
Other clubs use equally creative fundraising techniques. Some use muscle power to man Saturday car washes. Some sell candy bars, calendars or gift-wrap. Some host spaghetti dinners, and others rely on the goodwill of corporate sponsors. The Mount Horeb Youth Football League puts on an annual breakfast to raise funds for team necessities.
DeForest mother Heidi Tumerman believes that fundraising is a positive way for parents to support a son or daughter’s involvement in team sports. She has been heavily involved with DeForest’s Norski Soccer Club for five years, serving on its board of directors and specializing in fundraising activities. Her club has one hefty item heading up its list of needs.
We’re in bad shape for fields in DeForest," Tumerman says, explaining that over 500 children play soccer in town each season. With few fields and no upgraded fields in the area, it puts the squeeze on soccer teams.
Tumerman believes that fundraising is key to gaining the needed fields. By approaching businesses and corporations for money and simultaneously educating public officials, the club’s board hopes not only to raise funds but also to gain a gift of land.
"It looks like one business in DeForest is going to donate 10 acres of land." Tumerman says, keeping their fingers crossed.
Meanwhile, creativity remains Tumerman’s fundraising watchword.
"I’m lucky I can sew!" she says with a wry grin, noting that she’s made polar fleece blankets, different goofy hats and even two quilts for an auction, all in the DeForest colors of purple and gold. The blankets and hats were sold at different town events and at tables set up in busy locations such as grocery stores.
The individual DeForest soccer teams must still raise their own funds for uniforms. Some teams just charge families a set amount, and sometimes corporate sponsors supply at least part of the needed money. Tumerman mans a yearly garage sale at her home that raises about $500 to meet her team’s uniform needs. Team members bring items to sell and then either help set up, work during the sale, or help clean up and take leftover items to Goodwill.
"It goes really well," Tumerman notes. "It’s always been really successful."
Even with the involvement of creative and committed parents like Tumerman, new fundraising methods are always in great demand, and child safety in selling door-to-door has also become a big concern. In recognition of these issues, Dick Raddatz formed the Cedarburg-based FundRaising.Com. This dot-com company offers parents a range of creative new fundraising options at www.fundraising.com. These include earning money for a team while surfing the Internet and shopping at an online store that earmarks funds for the shopper’s chosen team. The site also offers advice and help, including safety tips.
Of course, some parents avoid the fundraising issue altogether by enrolling their children in community sports programs run through their city’s recreation department or school. West side residents Phil and Kathy Staley support their son’s involvement in a Pee Wee football league that charges a higher registration fee rather than requiring fundraising of parents and children. As a busy mom, Staley is grateful that her son’s league doesn’t require any fundraising efforts from her.
"Many parents loathe it (fundraising)," Staley says, noting that she and her husband are more than happy to pay the $100 enrollment fee for the program so that fundraising isn’t necessary.
Fundraising plays an important role in youth sports today. You can help a youth team raise money in a number of ways: bake sales, garage sales, auctions and more. If this interests you, get involved in team fundraising today (current fundraisers would love the help!) If fundraising does not fit into your schedule, keep in mind that there is the option of paying a higher enrollment fee for the team sport.
This story appeared in Badgerland Sports for Youth, WI - December, 2000.
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