Annual Crab Feed Event Nets Profit
Athletic Booster Club fundraiser brings in the bucks for school sports
By Faith Martinez
Athletic Booster Club fundraiser brings in the bucks for school sports
By Faith Martinez
Run by the Pioneer High School Athletic Booster Club and student volunteers, the annual Crab Feed fundraiser took place on March 14, at the Scottish Rite Center, from 4:30 to 6p.m. with alterations due to safety precautions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This event has been a Pioneer tradition for more than 23 years, aiming to financially support the school’s sports teams. Athletic Director Joe Berticevich expressed how crucial this fundraiser has been in raising money.
“The Crab Feed has been a long-standing fundraiser for the booster club, which supports all our athletics here at Pioneer,” said Berticevich. “If the team participates in the fundraiser, then we’ll get $1,000 dollars if they fulfill their requirements, which is selling 50 tickets and getting three silent auction prizes.”
Typically, student volunteers consisting of players of multiple sports teams on campus come together for the night to work the event as servers and bussers. Those who participated were still able to support their teams but also gain community service hours.
However, a statement from the Athletic Booster Club, explains the modifications made to this year's fundraiser where everyone who bought tickets will still receive the food they paid for, and the Silent Auction is being set up online, but it will not be a social event.
“We have been mindful of all of the new reporting, and based upon the recent recommendations we are canceling the live event,” said the club’s statement. “Each ticket will receive a 2 lb bag of crab, a piece of chicken, a serving of pasta and a roll.”
Swimmer and water polo team captain Claire Sakelson, 12, noted the importance of the Crab Feed to all the teams which creates this cooperative environment.
“This brings players together because it gives us an event to work together on in order to improve our individual sports,” said Sakelson.
Football player Freddy Valencia, 11, who volunteered last year, felt his night at the Crab Feed was slightly nerve-wracking, but also acted as a great learning experience which will be lost this year.
“I was pretty nervous as it was my first time working as a server, but it really helped having others there to support me through the event,” said Valencia. “I got to connect with people I’ve never met. Working and serving (at the Crab Feed) is a great learning experience of how things work behind the scenes.”
This event has been a Pioneer tradition for more than 23 years, aiming to financially support the school’s sports teams. Athletic Director Joe Berticevich expressed how crucial this fundraiser has been in raising money.
“The Crab Feed has been a long-standing fundraiser for the booster club, which supports all our athletics here at Pioneer,” said Berticevich. “If the team participates in the fundraiser, then we’ll get $1,000 dollars if they fulfill their requirements, which is selling 50 tickets and getting three silent auction prizes.”
Typically, student volunteers consisting of players of multiple sports teams on campus come together for the night to work the event as servers and bussers. Those who participated were still able to support their teams but also gain community service hours.
However, a statement from the Athletic Booster Club, explains the modifications made to this year's fundraiser where everyone who bought tickets will still receive the food they paid for, and the Silent Auction is being set up online, but it will not be a social event.
“We have been mindful of all of the new reporting, and based upon the recent recommendations we are canceling the live event,” said the club’s statement. “Each ticket will receive a 2 lb bag of crab, a piece of chicken, a serving of pasta and a roll.”
Swimmer and water polo team captain Claire Sakelson, 12, noted the importance of the Crab Feed to all the teams which creates this cooperative environment.
“This brings players together because it gives us an event to work together on in order to improve our individual sports,” said Sakelson.
Football player Freddy Valencia, 11, who volunteered last year, felt his night at the Crab Feed was slightly nerve-wracking, but also acted as a great learning experience which will be lost this year.
“I was pretty nervous as it was my first time working as a server, but it really helped having others there to support me through the event,” said Valencia. “I got to connect with people I’ve never met. Working and serving (at the Crab Feed) is a great learning experience of how things work behind the scenes.”