Oxford Booster Club Hosts Annual Athletic Fundraiser

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com
With the school year fast approaching, the Oxford Charger Booster Club revs up for its fourth annual fundraiser event “Boosters and Blues” on Aug. 4, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.
Attendees can expect to dance the night away on the disco floor with this year’s theme being inspired by the 80’s. The club is excited for the Spunk Monkees band based out of Tupelo to perform, according to Mary Beth Mobley, president of the Booster Club.
The event is the club’s sole fundraising event in order to raise money for both the Oxford High and Middle School athletics, Mobley said.
Mobley, who has two sons—Alex and Max—at OHS, said all the club officers work hand-in-hand together to maintain the club throughout the year, along with organizing the annual event.
“It is our big and only fundraiser [the club] has to raise funds,” she said. “We distribute the money throughout the year.”
Mobley said last year’s event raised approximately $70,000 and the club hopes to exceed that amount this year.
Funds are raised through business sponsors, event hosts and general admission. Event hosts also participate in a friendly competition giving points to their favorite athletic team at either the high school or middle school level.
The parent representative of the winning team receives $500 to purchase equipment or supplies for the represented team.
During the event, awards are presented to coaches and parents of the year, as well, Mobley said. The parent of the year is awarded by the athletic coaches.
The funds raised through the event are dispersed to all athletic teams accordingly to what the club can allocate, Mobley said. Being able to purchase equipment, hotel rooms and other various expenses is one of the many ways the club can give back to the district’s hard-working students.
“We’re very conscientious about making sure as many teams, if not all the teams, benefit in some way,” she said.
She said coaches from each team contact the club with a wishlist of items teams cannot necessarily afford and are outside of the budget that is allocated to them by the school district.
Over the past four years, the booster club has spent approximately over $40,000 on equipment for the weight rooms at both the high school and middle school, which benefits the majority of athletic teams, according to Mobley.
“A lot of people think [the club] gives mostly to the football team,” she said. “That’s a common misconception that the football team gets a lot [of money].”
The booster club is also responsible for the purchases of letterman jackets, Mobley said.
“Letterman jackets are one way the club can honor each athlete at the school,” she said.
General admission tickets can be purchased for $55 through the Yoknapatawpha Art Council’s website.
For more information regarding the Oxford Charger Booster Club, visit the school district’s website.