August is fast approaching which means it's almost time for the 10th annual Ballard High School Golf Fundraiser.
The benefit, to take place Aug. 3 at Newcastle Golf course, is a primary source of income for funds to support BHS athletic teams and its music program.
Students who participate in school sports have to pay $25 for the first sport, and $35 for the second, explained Mary Wong, Golf Classic chairperson. The fee is required by the Seattle School District.
"Funds are just not allocated to extracurricular activities like they used to be, there's just not money for it," said Kristina Anderson, BHS athletic director.
About $19,500 dollars is collected from BHS home games, but it is not enough to cover the cost of supporting the 19 sports teams, the cheer squad and the music program.
The fundraiser, which expects to have 288 participants this year, fell short of their goal last year, which caused some financial strain. It meant the school could not pay for part-time teacher Loka Murphy, though she still helps as a part-time trainer.
This year because of the new school assignments, to take effect this fall, Queen Anne and Magnolia residents will be a large portion of the incoming freshmen class.
"Trying to get support in Queen Anne and Magnolia has bee really difficult" said tournament committee member Randi Freidig. "Maybe because the borders just changed and they aren't used to thinking that way."
The tournament's biggest sponsors include the BHS foundation, the Athletic and Music Boosters, the Parent Teacher Student Association and the titled sponsor, Victor Salvino from the BHS class of '51. Salvino is hosting the event as well as the auction as Newcastle the night before the tournament. Up for auction are travel, spa, and golfing packages.
Families, alumni and affiliates of BHS are the biggest turnouts. Players sign up in teams of four and pay $275 to participate.
More than $60,000 has been deferred to BHS athletic and music programs from last year's benefit, which affects around 700 students, half of the schools population, said Phil Brockman, outgoing principle of BHS.
To learn more about the tournament, visit http://www.ballardbeavers.org/golfclassic.[[In-content Ad]]
