Patriots Need A Little Help From Friends

Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

The Jefferson County Patriots Football Team may not take the field for a few weeks but they have been hard at work this summer preparing for the upcoming season and raising funds for necessary equipment. The JCHS Sideline Club spends months every year raising funds and the players themselves also contribute through fundraising activities such as car washes and strawberry sales. This year the Patriots are looking to purchase new football pants and jerseys. Though the players and coaches, as well as the Sideline Club, have been busy fundraising, they are still running short on cash.

It will cost the team $5,500 to complete the funds needed to purchase football pants. In addition, The Sideline Club’s largest fundraiser, Meet the Patriots, appears to be a no go this year due to construction at Shannon Field. This will put a huge dent in their ability to raise the necessary funds before the first snap this fall. They will be relying largely on their signage sales and membership drive to raise the thousands of dollars that it takes every year to keep the football program up and running. Not only do they purchase equipment and uniforms, they also feed the freshmen, JR Varsity and Varsity before games to insure that all the participants get a meal. The Sideline Club also pays for the paint to line the field before every game, which is a costly endeavor.

Businesses are encouraged to purchase a sign and it will be highly visible to those attending any event at Shannon Field for the entire school year. Membership to the Sideline Club is minimal and members have the benefit of using the clubhouse during home games, which offers a cool alternative to those first hot fall evenings of football. Additionally, there are pot luck dinners in the clubhouse for members before home games, providing a great way to socialize and cheer on the Patriots.

Those that would like to make a contribution to equip the boys of fall can also do so through a donation directly to the Sideline Club. Gifts can be dropped off at FSG Bank in Dandridge or mailed to PO Box 1282 Dandridge Tn 37725. Those with questions can call Mitzi Donahoo, Sideline Club Treasurer at 865-548-4327. It is almost football time in Jefferson County and the red, white and blue are ready for a big season in 2014! With the help of the community, we can make it happen!