A 'Booster' shot for Millbrook High School

MILLBROOK — The Millbrook Sports Boosters gave the Millbrook High School athletic department the shot in the arm it needed.

In 2005, little or no funding was available for the modified sports programs in the middle school and junior varsity programs in the high school. The Boosters, a small but powerful group of parents and community members who are committed to strengthening the sports programs for the district, stepped up to the plate.

According to Brian Devincenzi, athletic director for Millbrook Central School District, “Just a few years ago additional funds for sports programs were as low as $300.â€

After the 2005 budget was cut for these programs, it was determined that $70,000 was needed to get them back on track. The Boosters set their sights on a goal and in a nine-month period raised $80,000.

“Even though they are a small group, they have been very successful at what they do,†Devincenzi said.

Erin Rollins, the new president of the Boosters, highlighted the necessity of their program and its efforts.

“Three years ago we had no funding for sports in the school district,†she said. “After the new Millbrook High School was built, the sports budget was voted down. It was necessary for us to come up with some funding ideas for the coming year. We knew we needed a chunk of money to get several programs rolling, so we created a fundraiser with the help of the Harlem Wizards. They’re just like the Harlem Globetrotters, lots of fun,†she explained. “They were wonderful to work with and they brought in the crowds.â€

The event was set up to showcase the Wizards’ talents against teachers and different community members. It was very well-attended, raising more than $4,000.

“The first year this event packed our gym. That’s over 700 people filling our bleachers,†Devincenzi said.

Kelly Whalen-Cassinelli is the Boosters vice president of fundraising. Her son, Christopher Whalen, has helped at many of the booster events.

“It was fun to sit and watch with my friends and see the Wizards play. It was a great night,†Whalen said. “I’m also very thankful that the Boosters raised the money to pay for our junior varsity baseball tournament a couple of years ago.â€

In the past, the Boosters have received pledges from supporting organizations like the MEF (Millbrook Education Foundation).

Rollins added, “They pledged us a large sum of money that we had to match by doing car washes, bake sales and concession stands at games. Those fundraisers are fine but we really needed to focus on the bigger events.â€

She’s found that the bigger fundraisers helped them meet the larger financial goals they faced. Other events they’ve hosted include golf tournaments and comedy nights.

This year it was determined that funds were needed for the Millbrook High School’s track and football fields. Currently, the high school is unable to host meets on their non-regulation track. Partnering with the Millbrook Education Fund they will launch their newest initiative this month.

 â€œOn Oct. 24 at the Millbrook High School we will kick off our newest ‘Run for the Money’ fundraiser beginning at 5:30 p.m.,†Rollins said. “The participants will collect funds from their sponsors and then run or walk for an hour on the track around the high school football field.â€

They expect a fun night under the lights with music, food and raffles prizes. Immediately following the fundraiser, the Blazers will battle the Pine Plains Bombers. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.

Rollins explained how funds are distributed.

“Most times people approach us, like the district athletic director, Brian Devincenzi. We will also receive proposals then discuss them among our group to see where the funds are needed most,†she said.

 â€œIt’s a great program that our students deserve,†Devincenzi said.

The proposed sports complex that will replace the track and football fields along with new lights, bleachers and reporting booth is expected to cost over $1 million. The Boosters are leading the charge and taking it one fundraiser at a time to meet this goal.

When asked about her goals for the next two years, Rollins replied thoughtfully.

“My personal goal is to get more people involved. I get a lot out of my commitment to my community. I truly believe you get out 10 times more than what you put in to these initiatives,†she said.

The Boosters believe in their athletes and stand for character building, team work, discipline and healthy competition.

For more information about the Boosters, visit the group’s Web site at millbrookboosters.com.

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