Do you remember those fundraisers you had to do back when you were in school such as selling wrapping paper, “gourmet” snacks, or even having to do a bake sale? Well, not much has changed because this is all still expected out of kids who go to public school. But with all of that said however, it’s not just about the schools themselves, but even the clubs and sports teams too.
Yep, even nowadays, clubs and even sports teams like soccer still have to still gather up funds from the community in order to have updated equipment like a new soccer net, and uniforms, go to competitions, and just keep on competing. But there can be some good to all of this; in fact, having a group of kids doing what they can to help their team and their school really makes everyone come together. But that’s not all. So, with that said, here’s why it’s good for the team.
So Why Do This?
Public schools usually hold fundraisers, and sometimes, public universities and colleges do the same. Most schools vary when it comes to budgeting, which is why fundraising is needed. But why can this be beneficial for sports and club members? Why is it better for them to get involved rather than the coach or the actual school?
It Brings the Squad Closer
High school sports aren’t just about scoring goals or making baskets; they’re about teamwork, baby! Fundraisers are like the secret sauce that brings the squad together. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s true because during practices and games, it’s about winning. But when it’s a fundraiser, there’s no winning; it’s about trying to work towards the best. Whether we’re selling cookies or throwing a car wash, these events make us bond. It’s all about teamwork and having each other’s backs, both on and off the field.
More Power to the Player
Fundraisers aren’t just about collecting cash; they’re about giving the players a chance to shine. Alright, well, technically, it still is about collecting cash, but there can be multiple positive aspects to this, too! When the team gets involved, it gives them the chance to learn some seriously cool stuff—like how to talk to people, organize stuff, and even lead the team. It’s not just about sports skills; it’s about life skills. it’s not just high schoolers, either. Just think about small kids, too. For example, in elementary school, they’re taught at a young age to be open about obtaining donations.
Building Bridges
You have to keep in mind that this isn’t just about being a team but a part of something bigger—it’s about the community! Fundraisers help you connect with your peers, like neighbors, local businesses, or even alumni. It’s about getting everyone hyped up and showing that everyone is all in this together. The reason for fundraisers is to reach out to the community because this community used to be a part of this school and a part of these sports teams and clubs.
One of the Only Ways to Keep the Game Going
Unfortunately, sports stuff ain’t cheap! Plus, it’s extremely prone to wear and tear, no matter how incredible the brands are. That’s why fundraisers need to be seen as a superhero, swooping in to save the day- rather than just some annoying chore. Without these, the team (if not the whole school) would be stuck without gear, uniforms, or even a way to get to games. They keep the dream alive and make sure these kids can keep playing their hearts out.
Leaving a Legacy
You really need to keep in mind that high school sports are more than just games; they’re memories that last a lifetime. Do you look back on high school fondly? Those games? You want school to keep going on, right? Well, it’s all thanks to fundraisers. Fundraisers help build a legacy, making sure that future players can rock the field just like they did.
The whole point is to preserve the here and now. It’s about preservation, feeding passion, feeding dreams, and keeping students active so they can move to bigger things. It’s about passing on the torch and keeping the spirit alive long after the current students have hung up their jerseys.
It’s All About School Spirit
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the team, it’s about the whole school, it’s about representing the school. it gives every student a chance to take some time, some school spirit. It truly is all about getting everyone pumped up for the big game. But of course, it’s also about spreading that contagious energy and showing the world what the local school is all about. Besides, even alumni are going to still feel that school spirit.
They Learning Grit and Determination
The best time to truly learn about grit would have to be in school, especially high school. If you’ve ever done a fundraiser before, then you know for a fact that they ain’t always easy, but at the same time, they teach you some seriously valuable lessons when you’re a kid. Just think about it for a moment; they’re ideal because they help people face rejection and hit roadblocks.
Two things are incredibly common, but it still teaches kids to keep pushing forward and never give up. At the end of the day, there is no trophy to win; it’s about getting the funds so you can play the games and then win those trophies. It’s about grit, determination, and knowing that with hard work, anything is possible.
Ideal for Celebrating Diversity
You don’t have to be a fan of sports to want to celebrate this. High school sports bring together people from all walks of life, and fundraisers are no different. Honestly, there’s a place for everyone to get involved and make a difference. It’s about celebrating our differences and coming together as one team, united in love for the game and the school, too.
Do Fundraisers Actually Help?
So, as you can read from above, there are a lot of benefits for kids doing fundraisers, but do they actually help out? Well, they usually can, depending on how much a team needs to raise, of course. But there’s more to it than just that.
Everything Adds Up
Just think about it for a moment. From gear to travel costs, the expenses can add up way too fast. But with school budgets stretched thin, sports programs often find themselves scrambling for funds. It is not just sports, but basically all teams and clubs. So that’s why there’s basically no choice but to have fundraisers swoop in. Not unless theres a secret donor who’s willing to help, there’s always going to be these financial gaps.
Best Way to Make Ends Meet
In a perfect world, schools would have all the cash they need to support top-notch sports programs and their academic clubs. For the most part, only private schools can do that. Sadly, the reality is that public schools struggle, there’s always going to be budget cuts, and yes, that means that the community will have to come and chip in.
It’s really sad, but sometimes sports programs get hit hard, leaving coaches and players scrambling to make do with less. Schools still deserve to be able to participate in competitions, and kids still deserve a chance at a scholarship, and so on. Fundraisers are what help keep the dream alive for these kids.
It Opens the Door for Everyone
High school sports should be for everyone, not just those with deep pockets. The same goes for the clubs there too. But without fundraisers, some students might miss out on the chance to join in the fun. That’s why fundraisers are so important—they help make sports more accessible by covering costs like equipment, travel, and even fees for students who need a little extra help.
Investing in Tomorrow Athletes
Again, it goes back to what was being said earlier, it’s about paving the way for the next generation. Such as improving facilities, expanding programs, or providing scholarships.
What are Some Fundraiser Ideas to Try?
So, there was some already mentioned earlier, like a bake sale and selling candy bars, but is that it? No, absolutely not! There are some other ideas too.
Spirit Night
This one is timeless, and it definitely gets the job done! So, this one entails partnering up with local restaurants or businesses to host a spirit night fundraiser. Usually, for one or two days, participating locations will give a percentage of sales donated to that team or to the school. Usually, this happens around homecoming.
Virtual Fundraiser
You don’t have to go door to door anymore, thankfully. Nowadays, you can just set up a GoFundMe, and that is that. You can share the page, your team can share the page, they can share on social media, and you can ask others to share on social media, too. You can also host virtual events like online auctions, raffles, or talent shows to engage supporters and raise funds from the comfort of your home.
Tailgate Party
Well, for any party, really, this is something else that’s pretty old-fashioned but usually gets the job done. Again, I have nothing against bake sales or candy bars, as they’re classic, too, but this seems to really get the job done.
