KSD athletics organizing fundraiser

KELLOGG — The Kellogg School District is looking for auction items and sponsors for their upcoming Wildcat Kick-Off Classic fundraiser.

The fundraiser is a combination golf tournament, auction and dinner, and is responsible for generating a large portion of the district’s athletic funds that are utilized throughout the school year.

Nate Whatcott, KSD’s curriculum director and the head baseball coach, is one of the organizers for the event and he elaborated on its importance.

He also discussed how the monies from the event are separate from the funds that are budgeted for prior to the school year beginning.

“The money we raise during this event goes for equipment, uniforms, support at state competitions, and other program needs,” Whatcott said. “I don't think fundraiser money should be for things that the school district should be responsible for like general busing needs or coaches and it isn't. That sends the wrong message to our patrons.”

One of the easiest ways to get involved is to sponsor a hole during the golf tournament.

Hole sponsors get a sign on their specific tee box and then when the tournament is over those signs are moved to Andrews Gymnasium, where they hang for the rest of the school year.

The auction portion of the fundraiser is always looking for donations, and each specific sports program at the school puts together an auction item (basket, gift certificate, etc.) to be bid upon.

Some items have already been donated and auction goers already have a litany of high end items to bid on, and Whatcott listed a few of them out.

“We have already received four rounds of golf from Circling Raven and The Links, Dave Smith has given three pairs of sunglasses, and two car cleaning kits,” he recalled. “Western States Caterpillar has donated the use of a skid steer for a weekend, Silver Valley Tire donated 10 car washes. We are still waiting for a few local and Coeur d'Alene businesses to get back to us.”

The Wildcat Kick-Off Classic is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, at Pinehurst Golf Course.

For more information or to inquire about donating or sponsorship, please contact Kellogg High School Athletic Director Heather Goodner at 727-743-5712 or visit www.bit.ly/khsscramble21.