(1stW@7)
Its always tricky trying to find a title which will capture the attention of the reader…..hence the weird title of this piece! I hope you’re still reading 🙂
The purpose of this article is to not only solicit more membership into the Canton Athletics Booster Club, but to also communicate its intended purpose and educate the school community regarding our club. The C.C.S. Athletics Boosters are a 501(c)(3), not for profit organization and is the only Board of Education approved entity for raising funds to support our athletics program. From irs.gov, “Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.” As a result, our local business support has been fantastic and we are extremely grateful for their partnership with our student-athletes!
People involved with the Athletics Booster Club or A.B.C. primarily support us in one of two ways, by giving their time through volunteerism or their dollars through individual or business donations. It is important to note that although each sport has its’ own line item in the budget, that the general fund of the club supports ALL CANTON CENTRAL TEAMS!! The committee ensures that every sport is fairly represented and has the items which they need to the extent possible.
ANY PERSON may attend a meeting at anytime. ANY PERSON may join our membership. ANY PERSON is eligible to be voted into a leadership position. It is a misconception that one needs to have a child involved with our programs. This certainly happens to a large extent but it is not a requirement.
Meetings this coming season will be held on the first Wednesday if each month at 7:00 pm(1stW@7), generally in the High School Cafeteria. Meetings generally last an hour and twenty minutes. A typical agenda includes a monthly report from the athletics director, discussions regarding merchandise sales, concessions support, team support, planning for future events and activities, scholarship awards, funding for student-athletes with various financial needs and many more topics.
This coming fall we are exploring the possibility of an old fashioned ice cream social or carnival type event which celebrate the fall season and would be led by our student-athletes and held for our elementary aged students. More to come with this idea.
We are similarly excited that the new construction project will be opening a new concession stand with a sales window which can service outdoor activities and games, as well as events held in the gymnasium and new aquatics center. We still have not wrapped out heads around how we will best manage this new opportunity but are very excited that our community will have it!
Once funds are raised or acquired there is a process by which teams can take advantage of them. It is important to note that all of the essential items which teams need are included in the Canton Central School Athletics Budget. The A.B.C. does not for example, purchase uniforms, pay for officials, pay coaches salaries, etc. The A.B.C. funds are more designed to enhance the experiences which our student-athletes receive. Every other year, each team receives a rotational gift of $300.00 which they may spend on anything of interest to the team. When teams extend beyond the regular season and into play-offs, they receive an additional gift which can be used for food or commemorative merchandise such as a championships t-shirt.
Other larger ticket items which the A.B.C. has purchased in the last several years include; hurdles and high jump pits for the track, sound systems for the boys and girls locker rooms at the Pavilion, portable sound systems, press box and softball/baseball field sound systems, a media-day backdrop and table cover, jackets for boys and girls teams , deck jackets for the swim team, and two Pixellot cameras for streaming of events, as well as many, many more items.
I will conclude by again mentioning the dates and times we will hold our meetings. The first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the High School Cafeteria. You do not need any prior experience or skills, there is a way in which every interested person can contribute. Questions regarding the A.B.C. can be directed to Bill Porter at wporter@ccsdk12.org at the school or to current Booster Club president Jamie Reed at hoclaxmom77@yahoo.com . We hope to see you at our next meeting!
(1stW@7)
