What is the purpose of the Wolves Baseball Boosters booster club?

The booster club was created to support the baseball program, primarily from a financial standpoint. The mission of the club is to support the development of a strong, nationally competitive, year-round baseball program for Grandview High School. Without the club and without its financial support, it would be difficult for Grandview to remain as one of the top programs in the state. Operating a quality program solely on the small budget provided by the school district would be an enormous challenge. For instance, as you travel to other schools throughout the course of the season, notice the difference in the quality of the playing field. In many cases, there is no comparison.

 

How does the booster club use the money that is raised through its various fundraisers? The baseball program receives minimal financial support from the school district for our baseball facility and field maintenance. General maintenance and field improvements are where the majority of booster club funds go. For example, over the past five years the booster club has purchased or upgraded several items including: New batting cages, Clubhouse, Varsity scoreboard, Snack Shack Construction, Golf Course Lawn Mower, Laser Field Leveling, and Infield Playing Surface Dirt Replacement. Other improvements of additions in recent years have included dugout concrete pads, fencing, and foul poles. Besides capital improvements, the club will also supplement some of the assistant coaches who would otherwise receive no compensation for hundreds of hours of time dedicated  to year-round coaching activities. Funds also go to cover coaching clinics, training equipment, and occasional travel (supplement district, state or national championship travel cost for team and coaches).

 

What are the booster club’s primary fundraisers?

The Colorado Rockies Ticket Sales Fundraiser is the club’s primary source of income. As an added bonus, besides raising more than $30,000 per year, Grandview is permitted to play one of its games at Coors Field in the spring. The operation of the Snack Shack also brings in additional income. Although the main purpose of the Snack Shack is to provide food and drink for players, coaches, and fans, the Snack Shack will also raise approximately $3000 for the year.

 

Does the booster club make money from the fees charged for summer baseball, fall baseball and winter workouts?

No, these programs are all priced at a “break-even proposition” and are not designed to raise money for the program. However, when the board calculates the cost for these programs, they are generally estimated on the high end to reduce the risk of losing money. For example, after estimating all costs associated with each team in the Summer Baseball program, the cost-per- player amount is determined by dividing the total cost per team by the number of players expected to participate on that team. Costs for these programs include: umpires, league fees, tournament fees, uniforms, field maintenance, coaching stipends, and travel expenses as necessary. IF the board underestimates costs projections, or doesn’t enforce the payment policy, the club runs the risk of losing money.

 

How is the coaching staff paid for its time throughout the year?

The school district budget pays up to six members of the coaching staff during the high school season only. Any additional coaches who are involved receive some compensation from the booster club. The club also pays a small stipend to coaches for their time during the summer and fall seasons, and for their time coaching during winter workout sessions. When traveling out of town for summer tournaments, the club usually covers the hotel costs for coaches. Generally the coaches will provide their own transportation, meals, and incidentals.

 

What are the fundraising opportunities made available to players to help offset costs? Grandview players can offset their own costs associated with playing high school baseball. The best opportunity is by selling as many Rockies tickets as they can. Credit for summer fees can also be earned by selling outfield banners, program ads, business card ads, and King Soopers cards.  Information about fundraising can be found in the fundraising tab. Contact Dustin Vaughn for questions regarding fundraising at 303-710-2792.

 

What about financial hardship?

The booster club strongly believes that financial hardship shouldn’t be the determining factor in playing baseball. As a result, the club offers several options to accommodate families in this situation. These options include making monthly payments toward fees. If this is still not enough for a family to cover their baseball expenses, the club occasionally offers financial hardship scholarships. Please contact Coach Henry or a board member if you are in need of any of these options or to request a financial hardship application.

 

I see that the booster club is a 501c3 organization. What does this mean?

In Spring, 2009, the club applied for and was granted tax exempt status as Wolves Baseball Boosters under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The club is classified as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service. Contributions to the club are tax deductible under section 170 of the Code. The club is also qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts. Up until now, the majority of our financial earnings have come from fundraisers. The hope in the future is to obtain sponsors and donors to back our program for major improvements, like bleachers and indoor facilities. If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring our program, please contact any board member.

 

How can I volunteer to help?

There are countless opportunities for you to help. First, we have a year-round need for field maintenance help. Likewise, throughout the spring and summer seasons, there is always a need for volunteers to work the Snack Shack. The club will often utilize a “Team Mom or Dad” to help during these seasons as well. In addition we have numerous events and committees that require leadership and support. See page 4 in the handbook for more information. If you’d like to help, but are not sure where you fit in, please call Dustin Vaughn 303-710-2792.

 

How does the booster club board work?

Any club member can be nominated for a position on the board. Elections are held during the Mandatory Parent Meeting/First Pitch dinner in the spring. Board members serve one-year terms that run April through March (the Treasurer office runs during fiscal year January through December). General responsibilities include board and club meeting attendance, support at all major social functions, and a considerable amount of behind-the-scenes work. Specific officer responsibilities are listed in the by-laws. Board members are not compensated for their time and pay all the same fees as non-board members. If you are interested in serving on our board, please contact Coach Henry or a current board member by January so you can be considered for the upcoming elections.