16
vernonia’s
voice
october
volunteerism
2007
Vernonia Boosters
By Scott Laird
“We’re here to help the kids!”
That’s what it’s all about for the Vernonia Boosters--the kids. Oh yes, and
some fun and socializing thrown in for good measure.
“We wouldn’t be
doing this if it wasn’t
fun,” said Booster
President Herb Huson.
That was the
message that came
across when I stopped
by to visit with the
Boosters during a re-
cent work party at
Greenman Field at the
Vernonia High School
as the Boosters prepared for the first home football game of the season in
early September. A small group of dedicated volunteers were working to
clean up the bleachers and get the snack shack ready inside and out. And
although this group was definitely having a good time together, there was a
small problem. There were only five of them.
“We just have to do this,” said Huson “I don’t understand why this is
such a struggle.”
One thing the Vernonia Boosters can be especially proud of is the Snack
Shack at the stadium. The building has been a labor of love for a number
of years, and is finally nearing completion. Though functional last season,
there are some finishing
touches that were being
applied before the start
of this season.
“Previous Boosters
had raised $24,000 to
build the building, and
that fundraising effort
had exhausted them,”
said Rethwell. “The
funds would have gone
back into the school
general fund if we
hadn’t started construc-
tion. By the time con-
struction was underway,
we didn’t have enough
money to complete it,
so we were left with a
shell. We received some
fixtures from the Wash-
ington Grade school
cafeteria, donations of
cider blocks, help from the city and West Oregon Electric installing utilities,
and now we’re just finishing some cosmetics.”
The Vernonia Boosters are in search of some more volunteers. They are
especially looking for parents of students in the school district willing to give
a couple of hours every few months. “During the games we get lots of par-
ticipation, and that’s great,” said Huson. “We really need more help during
“This is such an excellent representation of the community of Vernonia,”
these work parties. It all goes so much faster when there are fifteen or twenty
said Huson. “It’s really something we can be proud of. No other school this
people instead of five or six.”
size has this kind of set up.”
The Vernonia Boosters run the snack shack at games, raising money for
“I love being a Booster!” said Shelly Huson, Herb’s
scholarships for students. They also help stu-
wife and also a dedicated volunteer. “I love the social
dent athletes that need financial assistance with
aspect, helping the kids, presenting the scholarships.
anything from required physicals to equipment.
We pick up where the school system leaves off.”
They help with award banquets, and they act as
the umbrella non-profit for community sports and
“I have made so many friendships through this group,”
other programs, allowing them to function and
said Herb. “The games are such a social event in this
handling financial accounting for them.
community. Even people who don’t have kids will trav-
el to watch the away games. It’s really nice to see so
“We help the Vernonia Soccer Club, Little
many people interested. I just wish we could get more
Guy Football, Youth Baseball, Youth Softball,
of them to take that first step and get more involved.”
and Tee-ball,” said volunteer Marla Rethwell. In
other words, if your kid plays an organized sport
The Vernonia Boosters will be pitching in to help with
in Vernonia, the Boosters are helping make it hap-
the Dean Schaumburg fundraising effort by donating
pen.
50% of their concession receipts from the Homecoming Football game on
And it’s not just sports they support. They help sponsor the Echoing Ev- October 19.
ergreen Summer Day Camp. They’ve also given out two $500 scholarships
each year for senior student athletes, one each for a male and female. This To volunteer, contact Herb or Shelly Huson at (503) 429-3300 or Marla Re-
past year the Boosters added two more scholarships for students who partici- thwell at (503) 429-2031.
pate in other scholastic activities.
Washington Grade School Launches Box Tops Fundraiser
Washington Grade School has recently launched their 2007-2008 Box Tops for Education fundraising campaign. This year the school
has set a goal of earning $400 through Box Tops to purchase P.E. equipment and school supplies.
Box Tops for Education is a school fundraising program started by General Mills in 1996. To date,
Box Tops has helped America’s schools raise over $200 million to buy the things they need but
can’t always afford, such as library books, school supplies and playground equipment. The Box
Tops for Education program offers school supporters three easy ways to earn cash for schools through everyday activities
like buying groceries, shopping online and purchasing books. Schools can earn a total of up to $60,000 each year.
If you’d like to help the students at Washington Grade School reach their goal to buy P.E. equipment and school supplies, there are
several easy ways to get involved. Collect Box Tops from hundreds of familiar, participating products and send them to Washington Grade School, “Attention Mr.
Spaulding - Box Tops Coordinator” at 199 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR. 97064. You can also sign up on the Box Tops website at boxtops4education.com. Desig-
nate Washington Grade School as the school you wish to support. At the Box Tops website, you’ll learn more about all of the easy ways you can choose to make
a difference -- all at no additional cost to you.