The Oglethorpe County Athletic Booster Club is focusing on raising membership and sponsorship numbers before fall sports get into full swing.
The club isn’t fundraising for anything specific this fall, because raising money for uniforms, facility renovations and travel expenses is typically done in the spring.
“That’s our biggest drive,” secretary Kent Huff said. “Just getting everybody on board for the upcoming school year and sports season.”
OCABC president Janine Campbell said the club’s overall purpose is to make sure “our fall athletic programs have the support they need” while “building school spirit and community support.”
The club’s biggest fundraiser is the annual Patriot Powerball, which was held in April at the American Legion. It sold 300 tickets at $100 per ticket, which includes dinner for two and a door prize entry.
The Powerball grand prize of $10,000 was won by a group of men that called themselves “The Brotherhood.”
“(It’s) always a great success, due to the support of our community,” Campbell said.
The Patriot Powerball fundraiser is a large reason for the club’s membership and sponsorship levels. Huff hopes to grow the membership and participation of the club this school year.
“One of my main goals for the community is to get people aware of what we do and how they can participate through membership,” Huff said.
Although most members are parents of Oglethorpe County middle and high school athletes, Huff emphasized that everyone is welcome to volunteer. Even businesses and organizations not based in the county sponsor the club, thanks to connections.
There are multiple levels of sponsorship, ranging from a Family Membership, which costs $50 and provides access to OCABC monthly meetings, a window decal and yard sign, to the Elite Sponsorship, which costs $3,650 and comes with a decal, yard sign, four event passes, a full page ad in the fall sports program and a banner at all athletic venues.
Club officer positions are nominated by the previous officers and elected every year.
In order to become an officer, you have to have been a paid member for at least one year before election.
The current officers are: Campbell (president), Jenny Wisham (vice president), Carey Paul (treasurer), Kayla Graham (assistant treasurer) and Huff (secretary). The special events coordinator position is open.
Both Huff and Campbell have children involved with Oglethorpe County athletics.
Huff has a rising junior, rising seventh grader and rising first grader at OC schools.
Campbell moved her way up to president after attending meetings as a member. Her kids have participated in school sports and her husband, Mike Campbell, is the OCHS varsity baseball coach, assistant softball coach and defensive coordinator for the football team.
“With all that athletic involvement, I feel as though I have many ‘kids’ on the field that deserve the best support and encouragement that we can give them,” Campbell said.
Members attend monthly meetings, where funding requests are discussed, and coaches can propose topics, among other things. Huff encouraged Oglethorpe County residents, no matter if they have kids in middle or high school athletics, to attend meetings and volunteer with the club.
“It’s not a hard job to do once you get to working together as a team,” Huff said. “I think our team is working together pretty good.”
How to join
The Oglethorpe County Athletic Booster Club will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11 at the OCHS cafeteria. Email oglethorpecabc@gmail.com for information or go to aplos.com/aws/give/oglethorpectyathleticboosterclub/memberships to donate.