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.