The annual Baler Summer Nights has turned into the largest
fundraising event of the year for the Baler Backers Athletic
Organization, earning roughly $20,000 through each of the first two
years the event has been put on. But with the San Benito High
School District’s announcement of $1.8 million in budget cuts
earlier this year, which included a cut of $100,000 from the
district’s contribution toward athletics, organizers are hoping to
make up as much of that shortfall in the meantime, and are hoping
this year’s fundraising event is the largest and most successful to
date.
HOLLISTER
The annual Baler Summer Nights has turned into the largest fundraising event of the year for the Baler Backers Athletic Organization, earning roughly $20,000 through each of the first two years the event has been put on.
But with the San Benito High School District’s announcement of $1.8 million in budget cuts earlier this year, which included a cut of $100,000 from the district’s contribution toward athletics, organizers are hoping to make up as much of that shortfall in the meantime, and are hoping this year’s fundraising event is the largest and most successful to date.
“It’s kind of a big one. It’s huge,” said Baler Backers Vice President Kristen Para, a 2004 graduate of San Benito High School. “We’re hoping to get as much (money) as we can for the $100,000 budget cut.”
A sizeable chunk of the athletic department’s budget, a cut of $100,000 could mean a cut to all freshmen sports at the high school and a significant cut to junior varsity sports unless a large portion is raised over the next three to four months, Athletic Director Tod Thatcher said.
“In terms of importance,” Thatcher said of the upcoming Summer Nights fundraiser, “it’s extremely important.”
The Baler Backers will look to alleviate as much of the burden as possible, of course.
Having been in existence since the first Summer Nights was held in August of 2008, the organization initially helped pay for items like new uniforms and warm-up outfits, and even a pitching machine for the baseball team. But realizing the difficult times ahead, the organization has been conservative in its spending recently, instead opting to save its funds in order to help offset as much of the athletic department’s shortfall as possible.
The Baler Backers, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit and general athletic booster club that supports and raises money for all of the 23 athletic programs offered at San Benito High School, will present a check to the athletic department at the third annual Baler Summer Nights, which is scheduled for Aug. 28.
“This is one of our main fundraisers for the $100,000,” Para said of Summer Nights, a dinner-and-dancing event that includes a meal, no-host bar, a silent and live auction and raffles throughout the evening, with all the proceeds going back to the Baler Backers.
This year, though, the organization is trying to raise additional funds for the athletic department by raising its game.
The event site was changed to San Juan Oaks Golf Club, while organizers are hoping big-ticket auction items like a pair of weekend getaways to Tahoe and Lake Miwok will draw big spenders.
Other auction items expected to draw interest include Willie Mays and Hank Aaron memorabilia, as well as ticket packages for the 49ers, Raiders and Sharks.
PayPal has made buying tickets to the event easier and more attractive, while a “Hollywood Glamour” theme, where organizers are seeking celebrity look-a-likes, will give the annual Summer Nights a different feel than in years past.
“It’s something new, something different,” said Para, who’s had interest already from look-a-likes such as Bette Midler, Angelina Jolie, and characters from the HBO show Entourage.
“I really want someone crazy, like Lady Gaga or Madonna or anyone pretty extreme.”
On Tuesday night, organizers will hold a casting call for the celebrity look-a-likes in Room 203 at SBHS from 6 to 8 p.m., while on Wednesday, the Baler Backers will be out at the farmers market promoting Summer Nights.
With cuts expected to be felt significantly at the junior varsity and freshmen levels, the Baler Backers have been working diligently to find ways of raising money for the athletic department. They teamed up with the high school for Team Baler: Balers Supporting Baler Athletes, where community members can donate directly to the school’s athletic program, while the school itself got involved with the Nob Hill/Raley’s corporation and its “Quality of Life” program.
But the Baler Summer Nights is considered the biggest fundraising draw for the organization, and for good reason.
“It’s historically been our biggest fundraiser, averaging $20,000 the last two years for each year,” said Lynette Bastianelli, director-at-large for the Baler Backers.
Ticket sales, sponsorship reservations and donation collection are underway for Summer Nights, which is slated for Aug. 28 at San Juan Oaks. Tickets are $65 each and $500 for a table of eight, $625 for a table of 10. Go to www.haybalerathletics.com for details on how to purchase your tickets. For more information or questions, contact SBHS Athletic Director Tod Thatcher at (831) 637-5831, ext. 350.
