The first phase of erecting proper sports facilities for Scotts Valley High School is underway.
The high school lacks some facilities for sports, and athletes have to go elsewhere for practice and competition.
Last Friday, Scotts Valley Sports Complex — a volunteer non-profit group — offered the first fundraiser at the Scotts Valley Community Center, for the proposed sports complex.
SVSC’s goal is to build a complete stadium and aquatic center at SVHS for the students and the local community.
The fundraiser gave participants a chance to get informed about the organization, and included donation opportunities, dinner, beer and wine, and a performance by Soul Doubt. Also, there was a raffle with two grand prizes: an Ipod mini and four tickets to the San Jose Earthquakes.
Last Friday’s event also generated excitement and information about the complex. The group has raised $4,500 for phase one — the building of the track and field.
Event co-organizer Julia Blanton said the projected cost for a new track and field is estimated at $2.5 million. Total costs, including the pool, are expected to exceed $9 million.
If fundraising continues smoothly, SVSC can begin construction as soon as August 2016. The construction start depends on how quickly the funds can be raised.
“We raised the money from this event on Friday. But before that, we had already raised $102,500,” Blanton said of the donations from within the community.
Community members can support the sports complex with a permanent mark of their generosity — a personalized engraved brick SVSC is offering for a minimum $200 donation.
Corporate sponsors are encouraged to buy bigger bricks, and engrave their logo on them.
“Anyone can buy a brick in honor of their family, grad, future grad, athlete, or business” Blanton said. “Or, they can put a favorite saying on their custom engraved paver.”
Blanton, who writes a fitness and nutrition column for the Press-Banner, said the high school sports complex benefits everyone. She said she envisions many coming to use the track after work hours.
Brian Davis, the event chair for last Friday’s fundraiser, also had personal reasons to get involved.
“I’ve four daughters in Scotts Valley schools, two of which attend SVHS and are cheerleaders. I’ve experienced first-hand just how muddy the track and field can get,” he said.
After the past homecoming, Davis decided to get involved with SVSC. He, along with volunteer Chris McHenry, funded last Friday’s event.
Blanton said she gives Davis much credit for all the organization that went into the fundraiser. Also to be thanked are Young’s Market for providing the wine, and Jia Tella’s for providing the beer.
As Davis, Blanton, and other SVSC volunteers plan the next fundraiser, their main goal is to ensure people know about what’s happening at the high school.
“Many don’t even know it’s happening yet,” Davis said. “Part of it is just getting people involved, and aware.”
The next fundraiser takes place June 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Scotts Valley Community Center. All are invited to enjoy live music by Silverback, food, drinks, raffle prizes, and to learn more about the Scotts Valley Sports Complex and their plans for SVHS. Dinner is included with the ticket purchase. Beer and wine are $5. This is a kid-friendly event.
Silverback is a quintet playing genres from R&B, pop, rock, soul and funk.
For more information, or to make a donation online, visit http://www.supportsvsc.org.
