Edit: I moved this from the OP.

Saddle up!

Not for nothing but here's another reason why high school hockey has a problem with legitimacy in this area.

I'm sure these folks mean well but why have a fundraiser for a school athletic program which includes poker and beer?

I'm stepping down off my horse now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Zambonihugger,

Archbishop Wood Catholic High School
Statement of Beliefs

We believe that:

The Catholic formation of the youth entrusted to our care is our central and primary focus.

The person of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message must be made real to our students through our deeds and not merely through words.

The academic program must stress the development of critical thinking skills, learning as a life long process, and the integration of technology as a learning tool.

The academic program must be complimented by a diverse co-curricular, extra-curricular, and sports program.

The student body understand and appreciate the importance of voluntary service participation as an integral part of the academic learning process.

The parents contract with the school in a partnership for the education of their children.

The school must foster quality communications with all of its constituents -- students, parents, alumni, friends, and the community at large.

For some reason this has really struck a nerve with me.

So I'll assume that the players will not be the dealers or serving the alcohol. So preparing the room and the food would be something to do.

I hope they were at least involved with the securing of the "Riversharks" through a fundraising campaign. Maybe they help secure a discount on the beer and food? Help investigate different halls to have the event?

I know, hockey is expensive and some fundraising needs to be done, but this just doesn't seem like the right thing.
I'm also not trying to single out AW. Besides playing in college with a kid from AW I have no affiliation (or issue) whatsoever.
Last year I stopped at a WaWa in Newtown Square (on my way to Iceworks) on a Sat. morning and a local HS team was stopping people and asking for money. No pamphlet, no sign, nothing about who we are, what we do, why we need your help.
Just can I have some money please.
That's not the way it should be done and it's the parent fault. There is no lesson in that for the kids. Nothing learned at all.
If your gonna beg at least tell me who you are and why you need some support.

Ok, you don't have an issue with AW, but you post their School's mission statement on the board. WHY???

You are aware the team is "recognized" by the school, but not sponsored or sanctioned (no financial support). It's essentially a club team (as are most high school teams)

Almost all teams fundraise. All schools, etc. Beef and beers are favorites to bring in money.
Poker tournaments are relatively new, but also work well, my kid's grade school CYO does a Night at the Races. I don't agree with kids on a corner stopping cars for donations, but unfortunately you see that alot (so just don't give). But organized fundraisers are commonplace for all types of purposes. What's your point???

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ralphy,

What is your deal ZamboniHugger? Your posts have really struck a nerve with me.

I've got news for you: People like beer and poker. And I don't see anything that goes against beer and poker in the mission statement that you so thoughtfully posted on the board. Passing judgement on others, however, does (see: "Gospel Message").

You complain about kids begging at Wawa, but then you admonish an organized event. Why? Because of beer and poker? What do you propose instead? Next time that you say you are going to step off your high horse, try stepping off of your high horse. Based on beef and beer and poker fundraisers that I have attended for several schools in the area, I am willing to bet that the players or any other underage people probably won't be anywhere near the place. Further, in catholic schools, which often struggle for funding, MOST sports, "legitimate" (basketball) or "not legitimate" (hockey) have similar events. So lighten up, man.


-Catholic School teacher from Warminster who likes beer and poker in moderation, and organized events that contain both while raising money for a good cause: kids playing hockey.

and no, I have no afiliation with AWHS or the hockey program.

What makes this any different than all the Catholic Schools that have carnivals and then they also have the casino's in the gyms? What about the beef and beers that are used to raise money for sick individuals? From a marketing standpoint, this will get them in. Do you think they should all have their grandmothers make cakes and blankets and sell them? you go for what the public wants. i think you need to step back and look at all the hockey clubs out there and see who has beef and beers and golf outings (and tell me there is no beer consumed there).
what has your kids team done for fundraising in the past?

Alcohol is served at most teams' end-of-year banquets... I don't see the problem.

I like Beer, I like Poker and I like Beef (medium rare)Why shouldn't a youth organization benefit from this, rather than a for-profit casino?

If I thought that there was anything wrong in what Wood was doing, I certainly would not have made the post under my name. I am also entertaining the idea of participating (schedule permitting) Just to outlast coach Rago for bragging rights.

I also like Poker and Beef (medium rare) with cheese, but I don’t like beer. So if they are serving sweetened Iced Tea, I may show just to outlast Matt and Coach. Then the Wood faithful would really love me! Hahaha

Lots to reply to. I'll do my best.
I guess my overall point is that a fundraiser for a high school hockey team should be something that is appropriate for a high school hockey player. The kids should be instrumental in organizing and participating in the fundraiser.

I LOVE beer(Sam Adams Winter Lager at the moment), enjoy beef and could care less about poker.
I guess I was not aware that this was such a common thing for a school event. I've attended a few that were for the family of folks who had passed.
Though this may be a good way to bring in people I just think the lesson here is that these kids aren't helpless. If they want to play hockey and need some support they should be involved in it.

I do not have kids of age to participe in organized sports yet.

As a kid I remember selling candy bars for my hockey team. Ate more than I sold.
To finance a soccer trip to Europe we solicited local businesses for prizes and held a raffle. I'll never forget as a 14yr old kid we walked into a Chevy dealership and asked for a car. We didn't get it, but it was quite an experience.

My neices brownie troop just did a magazine fundraiser - I got Philly Mag for 3 years.
My swim team did the mile relay. Goal was a 100 miles. How bout a skating relay? Pay by the lap? 24 hours on the ice?
There's got to be hundreds of ideas... google search "school fundraising ideas" 254,000 responses.
I'm sure some are more cost effective than others. I'm sure some of them are a bit shady.

I don't know, from the responses I guess I'm the minority (or the only.) I guess I just think there's a better way to go about soliciting for help.

Since it seems like all adults are responding to this and are probably older than me (early 30') do you remember your parents doing any fundraising without your involvement? Maybe I've forgotten or didn't know about it. Yes I know times change, but to me it doesn't seem for the better.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Zambonihugger,

A.You must be 21 to be in the place so no the kids will not be anywhere near the event.

quote:

Lots to reply to. I'll do my best.
I guess my overall point is that a fundraiser for a high school hockey team should be something that is appropriate for a high school hockey player. The kids should be instrumental in organizing and participating in the fundraiser.

B. the point of fundraising isn't necessarily to get the kids involvement it is to RAISE FUNDS and if you can incorporate the kids even better. But as you mentioned earlier hockey is expensive and you need to do what will bring in funds. I will gaurentee that an event like this will generate more funds in it's 5 hours then 3 weeks of selling overpriced candies or magazines. And it is also much more cost effective.

As to your point about it being conflicting to the ideals of the catholic church have you ever heard of bingo? Pretty sure grandma is getting paid when she hits.

ps. Matt outlast me and your first 2 rounds at your favortie establishement are on me (I think I could suggest a good place). Top Cat if you do it I got a gallon of sweetened iced tea for you. If Ricky or 8022 are listening I'll give them the same offer.

Two rounds? I'm looking for a substantial side bet! Does Top Cat even know how to play? As for Ricky.....he's sat at the table with me (At states two years ago) and I can assure you that he wants no parts of me! Maybe Kearns wants a rematch but not Gallagher!

I thought Kerns was just sticking to dip?

I think its a very valid point wanting the kids to be more involved but if the Beef and Beer raises more funds, than that is what the school should go with.

Remember the kids get to play hockey, thats the fun part for them. Its the parents that are paying for it so why shouldn't they have some fun to right?

Let me know what kind of side action your looking for. Whatever it takes to drum up some business. As for Top Cat, I like to call him FBT as in Full Blown Tilt baby. When it come to Rick, Shhhh! we need some donators too man.

Seriously though Jigga well put thats pretty much the way I feel and was trying to get across in my other post.

Does Top Cat even know how to play?

quote:

Who said I had to know how to play poker? I just said I liked poker and I may show up to outlast you and coach. You two dummies will be all swelled up trying to prove to everyone that you are some kind of professional poker players and I’ll just sit there and wait for you two to go bust. That’s my plan and I’m sticking to it!