(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bob Milbrodt for the information in this story.)
Last Monday, the Chelsea Kiwanis Club heard from Darlene Regis, president of the Chelsea Athletic Boosters.
The organization is a 501-C3, formed in 1976, and is comprised of parents of the students in Chelsea.
Their goal is to offer support to the 20 school-funded sports teams in both middle and high school, enhancing team spirit and pride. The support also takes the form of purchasing uniforms and equipment for the teams when school funding has reached its limit. Coaches can submit a wish list to the Boosters for consideration. Boosters also pay the referees for middle school games.
Some of the equipment the Boosters have supplied includes a pitching machine for the baseball teams, netting to keep soccer balls from travelling too far out of play, and a shooting machine for basketball teams.
To earn funds to provide this support, Boosters work the concession stands and sell 50/50 tickets at games, staff the entrances at the Chelsea Community Fair, (which earned them $9,000 this year), work on a scrap metal drive, and put on a golf outing each year.
In addition, the Boosters recognize teams in December each year at a special celebration for division winners. This year, 13 of the 20 teams won their division. They also sponsor a coach’s retreat each year, and award a boy and a girl each with a $1,000 scholarship.
A discussion of pay to play followed. Chelsea does not require students to pay to play sports like many districts do in the area. It was mentioned that not having pay to play results in students being more likely to try many sports during the school year.
Before the Boosters began in 1976 it was noted, students could work the concession stands to earn points that when redeemed would offset costs of their senior trip.
On Monday, March 9, the club will welcome Rick Catherman, director of bands, Chelsea School District.
Chelsea Kiwanis meets each Monday at 6:15 p.m. in the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital cafeteria, and the speakers begin at about 6:45 p.m.
Everyone is invited to the club’s meetings to enjoy our speakers and learn about Kiwanis.
Go to www.kiwanisclubofchelsea.org for more information.
