The hardest part of any fundraiser is actually raising the funds. I know, no-brainer, right? But since selling enough ads to make your sports program book fundraiser into a fiscal triumph for your booster organization is easier said than done, I believe any tool I can add to your armory is only going to help you out. Let’s start with the hook, line and sinker you need to get area businesses behind you: The reason their advertising dollars are making a difference.

School Sports Make Better Scholars

Why bother getting good grades? All you have to do is pass, right? By the time they hit high school, many students are suffering from a singular lack of ambition brought on by severe burnout. After 9 or 10 years in the school system, they’re looking forward to coasting through graduation. But there’s no coasting allowed when you’re playing high school sports. Anything below a “C” will put you on academic probation-and secure your seat on the sidelines.

Since no one wants to be sitting out on game day, they’re keeping their grades on the level.

Drug Free is the Way to Be

Fuzzy minds and groggy bodies aren’t compatible with the physical demands of being out on the playing field-and who has time to get high when you’ve got classes, two hours of practice and a pile of homework to do? Sports are keeping kids clean.

Better Things to Do than Get In Trouble

Before you start throwing rocks, I’m just going to put this one on the level. I know what it’s like to be a teenager in a small town. I grew up in one, lived in one for years, and now I’m raising my kids in one. Hanging out on the street corner, spray painting the bleachers and shoplifting seem infinitely preferable to sitting around the house, bored brainless, on a Friday night. Practices, game nights and special events give these teens something to do besides get into trouble.

Teams Come with Teammates

Do you know why so many psychologists encourage parents to nudge shy or anti-social children into sports? Because team sports come with teammates who eventually become friends that share a common interest. Children who have a hard time taking the initiative to make friends on their often thrive in the camaraderie of a team environment, a group of people with similar interests that spend a tremendous amount of time together in close quarters, working toward a common goal.

Hard to Sit Around Watching TV when There’s a Ball Calling Your Name

There’s been a lot of press lately about the hazards of childhood obesity and what it might mean for our kids when they become adults. The primary culprits? Unhealthy foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Since there’s nothing sedentary about the life of a student athlete that’s constantly pushing themselves to be better/faster/stronger/more agile, the danger of childhood obesity, and the threat it poses when these children become adults, is virtually eliminated.

Healthy Competition, Healthy Attitude

There’s no way to learn to be a good winner and/or loser until you win or lose. It’s as part of a team that kids learn the diplomacy, tact and positive attitude they need to succeed outside of the school arena.