Mission Statement
The Higley Wrestling Boosters, Inc. is organized and operated for the charitable and educational purposes of financially supporting the Higley High School wrestling program, located in Gilbert Arizona, through fundraising, sponsorships and educational grants. It seeks to recognize the endeavors and achievements of student athletes participating in this program, and to assist the coaches and related staff in the growth and development of the wrestling program.
Why Are We Needed?
HUSD and Higley High School do not have the time, resources, and ability to raise enough money to fund the wrestling program for an entire season. Currently we estimate the cost to be about $750 per wrestler in addition to the $150 athletic fee for the 2023 season. This is lower than the 2022 season because coach Evans has removed two overnight tournaments to bring the costs down while we build the program finances back up.
When Coach Evans took over the wrestling program in 2022, he found that the previous wrestling booster was not in operation and was actually disbanded in 2018. Through his own donations, football concessions, parent tax donations, club money, and wrestling families he was able to scrape enough to get the team through the 2022 season. Knowing this was not sustainable year after year, Coach Evans approached the wrestling parents to form a new Wrestling Booster to help fund the program in 2023 and beyond.
As a 501(c)(3) it allows us to fundraise with parents and local businesses in a way that makes the money raised tax deductible. Being a 501(c)(3) also adds a level of professionalism that makes businesses more comfortable donating and working with us.
We are a true non-profit with no real overhead as all members are volunteers and our online infrastructure is donated by Google and other businesses. Our only cost to operate is ~$300 annual fee to be a subordinate member of Parent Booster USA which grants us our 501(c)(3) status and maintains our tax filings/paperwork with the IRS.
501(c)(3) Info
EIN: 92-3791363
We are a subordinate member, in good standing of Parent Booster USA, Inc. and as a result is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Board
President: James Hawks
I have lived in Arizona for most of my life and lived here in the east valley for the past 23+ years. I am married to an amazing principal of a local elementary school and the father of two wonderful boys that both attend Higley High School. My youngest, Jacob is the wrestler in the family.
I graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering. I currently own an online marketing company for colleges and universities along with a local commercial real-estate company.
I dedicate a good portion of my spare time to making this wrestling program a success for the kids, coaches, parents, and Higley High School. My goal is to leave this program in a much better place than we started and to implement processes and procedures that will keep it a success for years to come.
Vice President: Bret Crosby
I was born and raised in Arizona. I grew up in the White Mountains in Eagar then after high school lived in Peru for two years on a church mission. I am married to my beautiful wife Suzy and together we have 5 kids, all still living at home. Ellie works full time as a nanny, my oldest son Kingston is a Junior on the wrestling team and we love watching him compete. London is a Sophomore at Higley and loves drama and theater, Dempsey plays volleyball at SMS, and our youngest Ivory does cheer and attends Cortina Elementary.
I attended ASU and received my Bachelor's and Masters of Accountancy along with my CPA license. Currently I do software sales working from home for Workday.
I enjoy hiking, boating, working out, and getting outside whenever I can. I love attending concerts with my wife most recently going to see AJR for a second time. Most of our time is spent supporting our kids in their various activities which we love. I'm looking forward to helping build the Higley Wrestling program supporting it however I can.
Secretary: Jenn Hawks
I am an Arizona native; I grew up in a small town but I have lived in the Gilbert/Queen Creek area for the last 24 years. My husband and I are the proud parents to two Higley Knights. We love spending time together, especially during football season when we cheer for the Arizona Cardinals. Our family has a competitive spirit, and we love turning anything into a friendly competition.
I am an educator and have dedicated my life's work to serving students as a teacher and now a Principal. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University, GO DEVILS!
I am a loud and proud wrestling mom and I look forward to supporting Higley Wrestling Boosters this next school year, GO KNIGHTS!
Treasurer: Francine Lopez
I have been volunteering in the Higley Unified School District since 2010. My daughter graduated with the class of 2022. I served six years on the Cortina Elementary PTO Board in the positions of Volunteer Coordinator, Secretary, and President. I currently serve on four booster boards at Higley High School as President and Treasurer.
My passion is helping booster clubs navigate their early non-profit status, develop transparent and long standing practices that will help make them successful.