FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WESTERN CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETIC BOOSTER PROGRAM
Booster Program-A Brief History
As you know, WCHS has been around for many years. Unfortunately, it has not always had an Athletic Booster program. In the 90’s, the program had some support from some very industrious parents. However, there were few people that helped them and once their student-athletes graduated, the program disintegrated. There was a brief period where a few parents attempted to resurrect the committee on the early part of the first decade of the Century. However, their support from the parent population was sparse. Thus, their efforts did not bear much fruit.
In 2007, the Administration at WCHS came to the realization that in order for an athletic program to excel it needed the support of not only the student body but also the parents and alumni. For that reason, they set out to find a core group of parents to help build a booster program from the inside out. The goal was to have a group of parents and alums that would organize the fundraising efforts for all of the teams. This was needed so that the programs could maximize profits while minimizing the need for parents to reach into their own pockets to fund athletics. The Administration realized that this was a necessity if the teams at Western were going to be able to compete on a higher level.
After the Administration was able to put in place a few of the Committee members, a set of By-Laws was drafted so that the Committee would have accountability. These By-laws were then approved by the Administration so that the finished product would be in line with the vision of WCS.
Below we have listed some of the more frequently asked questions that we have received from parents over the past couple of years. You likely have other questions that are not answered below. We welcome you to contact us to discuss any question, comment or concern that you may have.
1. Why can’t each team just do their own fundraising?
The Administration wanted the fundraising events to be more streamlined. They were aware of the great burden that numerous fundraising can put on a family and they wanted to help alleviate that burden. Through the coordination of efforts we have seen more families become involved in the fundraising efforts.
In addition, for many years each team did their own fundraising. Although the Western teams had some success raising funds, the efforts of the parents were not coordinated in any way. Each team basically had a “fend for yourself” mindset that did not foster team work. For that reason, fundraisers that could have been very successful saw limited success because teams did not support each other’s efforts. Coordinated efforts can lead to greater realization of profits from fundraising events. This can be seen very clearly in, for instance a “family night” event. This is where a restaurant gives a percentage of profits to team for all the patrons who say that they came to the restaurant to support Western Christian. If the team is doing the fundraiser on their own they have to try to drum up support from other non-team members, many of which may be in the process of doing their own fundraiser. Under a system where the fundraising efforts are coordinated, you can maximize the number of people that attend the event and, try to schedule the night out so that it does not conflict with other fundraising efforts.
2. How was the current board chosen?
The By-laws call for the Committee Chairperson to appoint an Election Committee. That committee then sets a slate of board members. The slate was presented to the membership and then voted on. In addition, one of the members of the board was recently appointed to fill a vacancy that was created last year.
3. Who will benefit from the booster program?
Every athlete currently at Western Christian and those who come here in the future will benefit from the efforts of those on the committee. The sole purpose of the program is to raise funds for all of the athletic programs at Western Christian.
4. How will the money be distributed?
The money raised at the fundraisers will fall into two categories; General Fund and Specific Accounts.
- General Fund: The majority of the fundraisers will fall into this category. Funds made at these events will be given to each program based on each teams participation in the event. Prior to the event each team will be given a specific number of slots to fill to help before, during and after the event. After a designated time has passed, any slots that have not been filled will be opened to all other members to fill on a first come first serve basis. Following the event, all funds will be divided in the following manner: 20% of the total profit will go to the General Booster Fund to be used by the committee to fund items that are requested by coaches or the Athletic Department.
The other 80% of the profit will be divided by each of the athletic teams who participated in the event. Each program will then be allowed to use the funds raised by their parents for their general needs. Any funds not used in a designated year shall roll over to each specific program for the following year. It is anticipated that these funds will be used to fulfill the “wish lists” that each coach has submitted to the Athletic Director.
- Designated Accounts: Certain fundraisers will be done specifically to benefit a designated account. For instance, all money raised during the 2008 Spring Meet the Teams Event was placed into an account which was used specifically for the “Coaches Start Up Fund.” Coach Gabbard designated specific amounts, based on input from each coach, that were used as start up funds for each program. Said requests for specific designated accounts can be made by the Athletic Department or Administration.
5. Why do some teams get more money than other teams?
The answer to that question is simple. Since distribution of funds is based on parent participation in the fundraisers, the teams with more parent participation get more money. If you want to obtain more money for your program there are several things you can do. First, talk to your coach. Let them know that you want to support the efforts of the program because you want your athlete’s team to receive a greater monetary benefit. Second, go to the booster meetings. We hold our meetings once a month. The meetings last for one hour and you receive a lot of information about the fundraisers at the meetings. Third, if your team does not already have a liaison, become one. If that position is already taken, there are several committees that you can serve on. Last, think about serving on the board. We are always looking for energetic and motivated individuals to serve.
6. How will I know that the funds are being used as designated?
Following each event the Treasurer will complete a report for the event. This report will include how much was raised at the event and how much of the amount raised is to be placed in each account. The treasurer will also prepare a written report on a monthly basis regarding all expenditures made out of funds raised by the booster program. Each member is entitled to a copy of the report, which will be distributed at each monthly meeting.
7. What if I come up with an idea for a fundraiser?
The booster board welcomes all fundraising ideas with open arms and open minds. It is the goal of the booster program to raise the most funds possible using the smallest effort possible. It is also the goal of the program to open all fundraisers up to all teams so that everyone can participate if they so desire. It is believed that this will help to centralize fundraising efforts and to maximize profits from each fundraiser. The Booster Board meets at 6:00 p.m., just prior to each monthly general membership meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings.
8. How can I become a member of the Western Christian Athletic Booster Program?
I thought you would never ask. Just talk to your coach, your liaison or one of the booster committee members. Or, you can come to one of our monthly meetings. They are held the second Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. unless the date falls on a holiday or school event.
9. Do I have to become a sponsor to be a member of the Athletic Booster Committee?
No. We believe that everyone can give of their time, talents and money in different ways. We welcome whatever contribution you have to make, whether it be financial or otherwise.
We look forward to welcoming you into the program as a participating member. Anyone is welcome; family members, friends, students and grown up types alike.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact Brian or Mary Mizell at (909) 908-0044. You can also e-mail us at casamizell@adelphia.net.
