A Little Horsing Around For Funds and Fun

Supporters of the  Athletic Booster Club were treated Friday night to festive decor, a live band, BAGS tournament, a scrumptious buffet, cocktails and an opportunity to raise funds for the school's athletic program, all in a rustic barn setting surrounded by horse stables. The atmosphere couldn't have been more fun.

Jenny Overman and Jeanette Kilrea, both parents of Eisenhower students, co-chaired the 3rd annual event, which they began planning for in July.

"We got the flyer out and really went to work obtaining items for our silent auction and raffle," Overman said. "The community has been so generous. We have a great selection, like Bull's tickets, Chicago Wolves skybox tickets and matted team photos of the school's teams signed by the students, which seem to be really popular items."

Overman and Kilrea hoped to surpass the $5,000 earned at last year's fundraiser. In 2009, the club paid for intramurals, cheerleading uniforms, cross country uniforms and timers, soccer balls, wrestling score stands, volleyball poles and pads, and football helmet safety recertification. 

Booster President Janine Kiwiet talked about the costs of athletic equipment.

"I don't think people realize how expensive these items can be," she said. "Just to recertify the safety of the football helmets, which is absolutely necessary, was about $2400. And in our intramurals program, we were able to add two more sports, for a total of four." Kiwiet said basketball uniforms were on this year's wish list, among other items.

More than 100 parents attended this year, up from 80 last year, Kilrea said. This year the fundraiser also saw a change in venue.

"In the past, it was a dressy sit-down dinner," she said. "This year is more casual and fun, being in the barn."

Superintendent Robert Carlo, EJH Principal Michael Fitzgerald and Joel Filas, the school's vice principal all came to support the work of the athletic boosters, who also host a Texas Hold'em fundraiser in the spring.

Fitzgerald explained that out of the 570 students at EJH, about half are involved in intramural and team sports.

"This event is great, because it's all about the kids. And we were happy to come and support our athletic program," he said. "Even the band, The Leslies, are alumni, and some of them came from as far away as the University of Illinois to play tonight."

The intramural program has had quite a turnaround during the past three years. Lack of funds brought intramural sports to an end at EJH, slashing the only avenue for 6th grade athletes, as they were not eligible for tryout sports.

"The Booster Club started these fundraisers over three years ago and they brought intramurals back, paying all costs, such as teacher stipends and student t-shirts," Fitzgerald said.

The mood was festive at the fundraiser as parents Jim and Vickie Ashmore sat at a table eating and visiting with their friends. Both of their sons attend EJH, and the Ashmores said it was fun to have a chance to socialize with other parents while doing a good deed.

As the band played on, the lights and balloons danced overhead and the Eisenhower parents danced below. And the student athletes' needs were again met by a supportive community.