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Athletes claw their way to the top
Community crab
dinner boosts Ilwaco
High School sports
By KATHERINE LACAZE
FOR COAST WEEKEND
F
ine coastal dining gets a philan-
thropic twist Saturday, Jan. 19,
when the Ilwaco Sports Boosters
serve up a crab dinner for the commu-
nity. The proceeds support Ilwaco High
School’s athletic programs.
“All of us believe strongly that sports
are one of the things students can be
involved in, and it really makes a dif-
ference in their lives,” longtime sports
boosters member Mary Goelz said.
“Everyone supports positive youth
activities that happen in the county.”
From noon to 7 p.m., the public can
visit the Long Beach Elks Lodge and
enjoy a crab dinner, complete with cole-
slaw and French bread, for $18. Hot-
dogs are also available for $3. Beer,
wine and non-alcoholic beverages are
available for purchase.
IF YOU GO
Ilwaco Sports Boosters Community
Crab Feed
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan.
19
Where: Long Beach Elks Lodge, 110
Pacifi c Highway North
The purpose of the sports boost-
ers, according to organization presi-
dent David Glasson, is to supplement
the school’s budget and purchase those
things for the sports clubs that are
“above and beyond,” such as a timing
system for the track and fi eld program;
a pitching machine; a rebounding
machine; workout gear; and lodg-
ing during away games. These items,
Goelz added, help the teams “be more
successful and do the things they want
to do.” The group will occasionally
work alongside other nonprofi t organi-
zations for grants or matching funds,
leveraging “everything we can,” Glas-
son said.
Ilwaco High School Principal David
Tobin said the school is “beyond grate-
ful for the time, effort, opportunity, and
service” the boosters contribute.
“They do so much and are willing to
help provide a great experience for our
coaches and athletes,” he added.
The sports boosters also provide
several thousand dollars in scholar-
ships to six to eight graduating seniors
each school year. In addition, they do
larger projects that benefi t the school
in a broader way, such as upgrading
the sound system on the football fi eld,
which is also used by the track team and
for community events.
Currently, they have their eye on
restoring the concession stand at the sta-
dium, which has fallen into disrepair
and been unusable for many years. The
goal is to have the facility revitalized
and operational by spring.
Coaches can request funding when
a special need arises. They also earn
funds, so to speak, by volunteering with
the sports boosters in various ways,
such as running a concession stand
during baseball tournaments. At the crab
feed, several sports teams and clubs
help with setting up, running the event
and tearing down to make money for
their individual programs.
When students participate, along with
a few dozen other volunteers, it creates
a strong atmosphere of community and
camaraderie at the fundraiser, Glasson
said. The fundraiser also receives critical
support from the crabbers who are gener-
ous in donating a part of their bounty to
serve the community. Organizers shoot
for having about 1,200 pounds of crab on
hand for the feed. Depending on a num-
ber of factors — such as the success of
the crabbing season and the price of crab
— the crabbers “give what they can,”
decreasing the amount the boosters have
to purchase, Glasson said.
“You might get donations for 600
pounds, you might get donations for
1,200 pounds,” he said.
Throughout the day, the fundraiser
generally draws a couple hundred attend-
ees, who can come and go as they please,
Goelz said. Even some groups from out-
side the community bus in together to
attend.
“It is a great social event for the com-
munity and the menu is fabulous,” Tobin
said. CW
Gettyimages.com
Dungeness crab.