March 28, 2024

‘A great success’

Annual Baxter Booster Bash raises more than $30,000 for athletic programs

In a year when crowds had to be scaled back, the 2021 Baxter Booster Bash exceeded expectations. The annual fundraiser brought in more than $30,000, an exciting total for the Baxter Athletic Boosters, sponsors of the event.

“We were hopeful we could hit $20K, but with a smaller group of people we really didn’t know what to expect,” Baxter Athletic Boosters President Traci Shepley said. “Needless to say, we were thrilled and overwhelmed by the support from our great town.”

Held April 10 at the Lincoln Valley Golf Course in State Center, accommodations were made with the pandemic in mind. A larger venue was booked, the ticket sales were cut in half and tables were spaced out to allow for more distancing.

The efforts put in by organizers paid off in a big way, with live and silent auction items even creating bidding wars.

“We had an abundance of silent and live auction items generously donated by businesses, individuals and our coaching staff. The football team had an Iowa State Football helmet that was autographed by coach Matt Campbell and it sold for more than $1,200,” Shepley said. “We had a vacation package that included a 4-night stay at the Elara Hilton in Las Vegas in September during the dates of the ISU vs. UNLV game that had three people in a bidding war with the winning bid ended up being $4,500.”

Those who were unable to attend but still wanted to participate had the opportunity to have a Booster representative bid on their behalf. A couple of the items even went to those bidding remotely.

Those who were able to snag a ticket were entertained by Dueling Pianos who played “great music, were high-energy and very entertaining.” Even more, the pianists generously donated their tips back to the boosters following their show.

“Baxter is a wonderful community and it has a lot to offer,” Shepley said. “Our school has recently been renovated to better meet the needs of our growing community, but the athletic complex is in need of some improvements and facility upgrades and our goal is to use the money raised to help out with that.”

A volunteer organization, the athletic boosters are dedicated to raising money in support of Baxter’s athletes and athletic program. The Booster Bash is the biggest fundraising event for the organization with 100 percent of the money raised going to the kids.

“We provide funding to purchase the uniforms for middle and high school athletes, assist with the purchases of team equipment and other large items like wrestling mats, etc. The boosters also provide funding for athletic grants, offering coaches opportunities to apply for additional items for their programs that go beyond the reach of BHS’s regular funding limits,” Shepley said. “The 2021 Booster Bash ... was a great success!”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com