Goodrich – Nearly everywhere you look at Goodrich High School, athletic pride is on display.
Much of the display is due to the efforts of Goodrich Athletic Boosters, who will hold the annual bingo sign-up night March 1 and elect new officers in April.
Why are boosters needed?
‘They’re outstanding, we couldn’t live without them,? says Goodrich Athletic Director Al Martus.
In the past, the Goodrich Athletic Boosters have contributed to building the football press box, concession stand and restrooms; established the old soccer field; purchased the baseball score board and some trophy cases; paid for senior team pictures, state finals team travel, and special equipment, as well as championship banners and sports honor boards, said Rick Misek, booster public relations officer.
While boosters formerly used a variety of fund-raising methods, all money is now earned by operating bingo nights. Bingo is held each Friday night in the Burton Square Mall, located on Lapeer Road, about one-half mile south of Belsay Road, Misek said.
It’s been three years since the boosters simplified fund-raising, said Martus.
‘The philosophy’s changed a little bit,? he said. ‘If the football team wanted money, they used to ask. Now they sign up for a bingo night and use the money for the athletic team any way they want.?
While Martus is in charge of seeking funding from the school board for basics such as uniforms, first aid supplies, and most equipment and maintenance, funds generated from sports events can only be stretched so far.
When ‘extras? are needed, team coaches and parents recruit a committee to work bingo nights, said Martus, who’s been known to help out at bingo himself during a free Friday night.
Teams earn approximately $400 to $500 for each night worked.
Although nearby casinos have lessened local bingo enthusiasm, it’s still a good money-maker, says Martus, who finds it’s now easier to rove sports fields picking up equipment after the game in his four-wheeled Gator purchased through bingo funds.
‘I can put a bucket on the back,? he said. ‘It’s easier than getting in and around in my car. That’s a luxury I’d never have?(the boosters) are pretty good about that.?
Boosters take pride in seeing each sport gets what it needs, says Misek, ‘because of the interaction between dedicated young students, skilled coaches, supportive administration and school board, and oustanding parental support.?
While booster bingo teams work about 12 nights a year for football and hockey, four nights per year for wrestling, and two for cheerleading, there are occasional openings, says Martus.
‘If the athletic teams don’t fill them, the robotics team takes ’em,? he said.
‘Each individual sport or other activity signs up to run the bingo gaming for as many Friday nights as they require, first-come, first-served,? said Misek.
The Goodrich Athletic Boosters meet at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday each month in the Goodrich High School library.
March 1: Bingo night allocation and officer nominations.
April 5: A new vice president, treasurer, secretary, and public relations officer will be elected.