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Amador Boosters raise big bucks for sports

by Jeb Bing

In this time of fiscal cutbacks in Pleasanton schools, the hundreds signed up for athletic-related programs at Amador Valley High--and the eighth-graders who will be in them next August--should schedule a grandstand salute to Lori Rice, Sally Parsons, Suzy Graham and many others whose Booster Club fundraiser last Saturday raised more than $125,000 for these activities. Parsons, whose son Ryan plays varsity football at the school and whose daughter Kelly will move there after completing eighth grade at Pleasanton Middle School, chaired this year's Purple and Gold Gala, which had a record-high 490-plus turnout at the dinner, auction and dance at the Palm Event Center. Rice is president of the Amador Athletic Boosters Club and Graham handled logistics and finances, counting door receipts that totaled $195,000, a new whopping record before expenses.

Even the "items" contributed for the silent auction held before the dinner were in the out-of-the-ballpark range, generating over $5,000 for such offerings as sports tickets, power tools, laptop computers and weekend getaways.

Skilled auctioneer Mark Gellman of Charity Benefits handled the live auction after dinner with his usual rapid-fire call for bids that steadily raised the offers on scores of top-value contributions. This included a seven-day stay in a 3,000-square-foot apartment in the bow of The World, a private cruise ship that spends its time sailing the globe. The high bidders can board the vessel anywhere it docks to start their seven-day tour. Other winning bids went for a banquet for 24 with winery magnate Phil Wente, two weeks at a club in Phoenix and a day of sailing on a 42-foot yacht on the San Francisco Bay.

The poker-based theme of the event was "All In," and most of the nearly 500 party-goers joined Gellman, a Ruby Hill auction specialists, in flashing their bid cards in his search for the highest bidder. With door and table prizes and one of the best meals in town served up by Read Phillips of Beet's Catering, nobody left empty-handed. Local craftsman Gary Winter also sold out his wood carvings of Amador Theater miniatures, with purple and yellow banners etched on the front that buyers could add "Class of 2008" or other years, with all profits going into the Booster fund.

This was the 23rd annual fundraiser dinner-dance sponsored by the Boosters, who raise money during the year for 23 athletic sporting programs that include all varsity and junior varsity sports, the cheerleaders and other sporting organizations at Amador Valley High.

Parsons found that with the school district's decision to cut some coaching jobs along with programs and classroom aides, such as reading specialists, parents were especially motivated this year to pitch in actively and financially to help. They know it's going to be a hard couple of years for many of these programs and they're willing to do whatever it takes to keep Amador athletics financially sound. Their record-setting attendance at Saturday's Booster fundraiser and generous contributions may also bode well in any effort by the school board to seek approval for a parcel tax to help all schools later this year.

Posted by Interesting, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 10, 2008 at 2:47 pm

It seems Sally Parsons (Editor's comment: This portion of comment removed. The Pleasanton Weekly does not use home addresses or telephone numbers in its print editions or on Town Square postings except by the residents, themselves, and then only with verification)is the Boosters Key Contact for fund raising associated with the sound system. It is looking more and more like the Boosters did try to pull a fast one.

Posted by Taxpayer, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, on Oct 10, 2008 at 3:40 pm

Raising money for the truly extracurricular activities is legitimate, good job boosters.

PUSD did not "cut coaching jobs along with programs and classroom aides, such as reading specialists" thanks to Brozosky who persuaded the Board to wait and see.

The State gave PUSD all of the money with extra!!!

The propaganda for the next attempt at extorting the taxpayers for the parcel tax has already begun.

Posted by Why negative, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, on Oct 10, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Interesting MUST be actually one of the vocal minority complainers on Gatetree Circle.

1. What is your intention for putting Sally's address and blaming her for your rant?

2. The boosters do not "pull fast ones". Bill Coupe very capably runs Amador and NOTHING happens at the school without his consent.

A very high percentage of all money raised at all fundraising events put on by the booster club goes back directly to those particular teams that raise the money. This enables Amador Valley Athletes to have the lowest cost to participate in all sports of any school in Northern California.

You really need to get a life. This is the worst example of a "the glass is half empty" mentality that I can imagine.

As the article says Sally Parsons, Lori Rice, and Suzy Graham deserve enourmous acalades for their unselfish efforts! Its embarrassing that anyone in the community would take such a negative spin on such a positive story. You should be ashamed!

Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore, on Oct 11, 2008 at 10:55 am

Anybody that supports sports for young people is good for the world.

Healthy bodies healthy minds! HOORAY!

Posted by Interesting, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 13, 2008 at 5:41 pm

Editor;

It is interesting that you added the following comment to the original post:

"(Editor's comment: This portion of comment removed. The Pleasanton Weekly does not use home addresses or telephone numbers in its print editions or on Town Square postings except by the residents, themselves, and then only with verification)"

Why? The article as you originally published it contained Sally's address for mailing checks. It is the same address published via the Amador Booter April and May 2008 Newsletters. May Web Link. In addition, you have published her e-mail address and phone number via this Web Link back in December 2007. Google is an amazing tool.

Posted by Why negative, a member of the Amador Valley High School community, on Oct 13, 2008 at 9:18 pm

Interesting.... You are a pathetic to turn someones hard work and well intended efforts into a personal agenda. If you are so hell bent on disclosure why don't you post your real name address and telephone number. I would love to then call you and have a factual discussion about the booster club and Sally's incredible efforts. I would then post my real name and address in case anyone would like to contact me to complain about Sally or anyone else's activities as members of the Amador Valley Athletic Boosters.

P.S. You still haven't apologized for your aweful attack on Sally!

Posted by Cholo, a resident of the Carlton Oaks neighborhood, on Oct 14, 2008 at 10:25 am

Interesting is a chimp.

Posted by Opaque, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Opaque is a member (registered user) of PleasantonWeekly.com

"Healthy bodies healthy minds! HOORAY!" ? That explains Pro athletes that are arrested, convicted and sent to prison. Don't make me laugh.