Athletic boosters host successful raffle

by Laura Bednar

The Independence Athletic Boosters hosted its third annual reverse raffle fundraiser in April, raising almost $13,000.

Booster President Jeff Pascarella said 211 people attended, mostly parents and community members. Each ticket to the fundraiser included dinner and drinks. The event featured a 200 number reverse raffle with a $1,500 main board prize, four separate sideboards, 26 raffle baskets and a live auction with tickets for Cleveland Guardians and Ohio State University games.

The proceeds will go towards commitments the boosters have made for facility upgrades and athletic equipment for sports teams. This includes infield grass at the baseball field and hurdle replacement for the track team, according to Pascarella.

He thanked the team parent representatives for donating baskets, the committee members and resident Jim Riley for emceeing the event.

“We were part of a pilot program at the Civic Center,” said Pascarella, noting that the boosters were the second group to hold an event at the location with beer, wine and seltzers. Independence City Council discussed the idea of allowing groups to hold events with alcohol at the Civic Center with Community Services Director Emily Thomas last year.

“It went well at that location, and employees were on site to make sure it went smoothly,” he said. The boosters plan to hold the raffle at the Civic Center next year if the program continues.

For more information visit iab.ptboard.com. ∞

Volunteers (l-r) Scott Gibbons, Tom Narduzzi, Bill Sobonya and Mike McNamara ran several sideboards during the raffle to raise money for district athletics. Photo submitted.

Stephanie Rodriguez (l) and her parents pose with raffle baskets they won at the event. Photo submitted.