The Citadel Phoenix football program will be hosting their annual booster auction on Friday October 26th, 2012 at the schoolβs Atrium.Β Funds raised from this event will go directly towards the teamβs expenses.
“Parents, friends, alumni and fans are welcome to come out and support Citadel High Football at our annual booster auction,” says Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley.Β “This auction in support of the team’s ongoing expenses is vital to the sustainability of our program.”
“Citadel Football is a self-sustained program; we receive zero funding from our school or school board and depend heavily on community, parents and alumni support.”
One of the overall goals of hosting an event such as this is to minimize the burden players and their families face with the steep costs associated with playing football.
“As an organization, we do our best to keep fees low for our players but safe football gear comes at a high cost,” comments the Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator. βOur goal as a team is to keep player fees as low as possible so that anyone can play regardless of financial circumstances as safe equipment comes at a high cost and the auction provides the needed funding to provide the difference in low player fees to offset the high cost of equipment.β
“The auction is an annual tradition and a fun experience for all in attendance.”
Cathy Connell and Lisa Farrell are the main organizers of this event.Β On a whole, the team has undertaken many different methods to raise funds for the football program; however, this event serves as the main fundraising drive for the team.
“The money that is raised helps support the expensive budget that is raised by the team,” explains Connell.Β “Fundraising efforts include fees, scorecards (sold by the players), the auction and some other private donations and sales of clothing.”
There are specific areas where the funds will be directed towards.
“The money helps to allow the team to have the safest equipment (i.e. concussion helmets) so the boys can be well protected,” says Connell.Β “We also have to pay field and referee fees.”
It wouldnβt be possible for the main organizers to be able to put on such a great event without the help and support of coaches, players and their families.
βThe auction really is a big extended team event,β comments Farrell.Β βThere is huge support from all of the playersβ families and every year the coaches go above and beyond by attending the auction, bringing great auction prizes, helping out and enjoying the evening with parents and friends-As if they don’t do enough working with the boys every day all season.β
βThere are so many people that pitch in and help out with the event it really runs very smoothly.β
As for the auction itself, tickets are $20.00 and included are three drinks and pizza.Β Overall, it promises to be an entertaining night to be enjoyed by all in attendance.
βEveryone who comes always enjoys themselves and goes home with some great finds on the auction tables which include dinners out, hockey tickets, gift baskets, priceless autographed footballs and helmets and so much more,β adds Connell. βThere will be lots of games to play to also get a chance to win great prizes.β
βWe’ve got a large group of enthusiastic parents rallying together to make it a great event.β
The organizers are thrilled to be part of this event.
βIt is a lot of fun to be involved and it is amazing all the great items that families bring for auction,β comments Farrell.
Ultimately, the Citadel Phoenix football program is appreciative and grateful of the fundraising efforts.
We depend heavily on the support of community, alumni and parents,β says Lawley. βOur staff is extremely grateful for this tremendous support.β
Photos 2 and 4 courtesy of Cathy Connell
(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)
Advocating for football prospects one story at a time.
CFC Camp Spotlight: St. Joseph DB Foster bringing adaptability to the secondary
