Unfair scrutiny of high school fundraiser
Last year, the high school bowling coaches of Jefferson and Guilford came up with an idea to benefit their bowling programs. They were going to raffle a “Barrel of Booze.â€
The “Barrel of Booze†raffle works like this: An adult volunteer steers the wheelbarrow, filled with various types of wines, beers, and liquors, up and down the bowling center lanes during adult leagues, selling raffle tickets and showing people what they will get if they win the drawing. This was an adult-only raffle with zero involvement from the high school bowlers, and they raised $2,000 total for the two programs.
Unfortunately, in this day and age, high school sports teams are required to think of unique ways to generate revenue. There are only so many car washes and candy sales a program can hold. These resources are used to offset travel expenses, team equipment and other general team expenses.
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But when they tried the raffle again this year, one bowler, who felt it was inappropriate, contacted the respective high schools and the schools immediately put a halt to the fundraiser.
The coaches were reprimanded and ordered to give the collected money back to the raffle ticket buyers. Because of one well-meaning individual, the kids as well as the programs, are left to find money some other way.
The cold hard facts are that decreased monetary support could mean some kids may not be able to participate.
I don’t understand the problem with this raffle. I participate in a yearly golf outing at a local golf course. The benefactor of the golf outing is the youth golf program. The golf outing is the main source of funding for the youth program.
Yes, alcohol is served during and after this outing to golfers over the age of 21. The youth golfers assist the adult golfers and act as spotters and bag carriers during the event. In our society, it is an accepted fact that some adults will partake in alcohol consumption. Of course responsible behavior is required and encouraged.
It’s wrong for the youth bowlers to suffer just because someone, who didn’t believe in the raffle, makes a big deal out of it. It’s also disappointing to know that our school district officials will bend so quickly to one person’s pressure.
The adult bowlers and high school parents I’ve talked to didn’t have a problem with it. There’s only one question left: Who’s going to pony up the lost funds?
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