SBHS introduces new general booster club that will support all
athletics
Take a drive outside of Hollister, anywhere from San Jose to Monterey Bay, and you’d be hard pressed not to find a Hollister ‘H’ emblazoned on the back of someone’s vehicle.
Supporters of Haybaler athletics seem to be everywhere, and they display their passion rather proudly.
On Aug. 23, prior to the 2008-09 sports season at San Benito High School, the Haybaler athletic department will kick off another form of support at the First Annual ‘Baler Summer Nights, the inaugural fund-raiser for the newly-formed ‘Baler Backers Athletic Organization.
As a general athletic booster club, the ‘Baler Backers will look to raise funds for all athletic organizations at SBHS, and help support the sports teams from unforeseen costs during the season.
“As these times get tougher, which they will, the school will be able to cover some of the things that aren’t in the budget,” said Tod Thatcher, athletic director at SBHS. “We’re trying to concentrate our efforts and have an organization where people feel comfortable with their relationship with the school.”
Currently, football, basketball and cheerleading have individual booster clubs to offset some of the costs for the players, whereas the ‘Baler Backers will help raise funds across the board for every sport.
“Those will not be disbanded,” Thatcher added, noting that boosters for football, basketball and cheerleading will remain. “The purpose of the organization is to put something together that all those other programs can access.”
With rising costs for officials and fuel, as well as dues for the section, uniforms and tournament fees, the ‘Baler Backers will look to partner with the community.
The idea, which has been discussed for the past five to six years, Thatcher said, has officially been in the planning stages since November. Summer Nights, which will involve dinner, dancing, live music, and a silent and live auction at Bolado Park, will be the organization’s first step.
For more information on how to get involved or donate to the ‘Baler Backers Athletic Organization, or for tickets to the First Annual ‘Baler Summer Nights, call 831-801-7334.
Summer Nights
The ‘Baler Backers Athletic Organization will kick off the 2008-09 sports season with the First Annual ‘Baler Summer Nights fund-raiser.
The evening will include a catered dinner, live music, dancing, and a live and silent auction at Bolado Park on Aug. 23.
Tickets are $65 individually or $500 for a table of eight.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 831-801-7334.
