Brainerd High School Activities has found a creative way to raise money by encouraging the community to support local Minnesota businesses, while also increasing fan attendance at sporting events.
In recent years, the cost for schools to provide, and for students to participate in high school activities has increased, presenting challenges to schools and families. To help solve this problem, Charlie Campbell, Brainerd High School Activities Director and former President of the Minnesota State High School Activities Directors' Association, introduced a new program that combines an All-Sport Event Admission Pass with a Local Deal Access Card.
Since introducing the new program, Brainerd High School has been able to increase revenue and engagement for school activities.
"We've blown the doors off what our traditional sports pass sales used to be," said Campbell. "We now have more people coming to our events, making more noise and buying more concessions."
The new program was designed so the community gets access to great local deals and local businesses get deserved recognition for their support of high school activities. Kevin Stumpf, owner of Baxter Café and Catering said, "I get contacted by many organizations to donate and support various causes, but with all the benefits my business gets from supporting this new program, it's an opportunity we can't find a downside too."
ADVERTISEMENT
Parents have also rallied behind Brainerd's new program.
"I'm excited that Brainerd has taken innovative steps to create a win-win-win situation between the community, school and local businesses," Todd Bymark said. "As a parent, knowing the school keeps 100% of card sales is a huge breakthrough."
Now, thanks to Brainerd's involvement in the new sports pass, plus deals program, additional communities are following Brainerd's lead so that they too can benefit from an
increase in event attendance, funds for activities and community support for local businesses.
The greater Brainerd community also benefits because FanCard holders from Pequot Lakes and Crosby-Ironton for instance can use their card at participating local restaurants and attractions, thus delivering additional revenue to these businesses.
For information on how to get a Warrior No. 1FanCard - Sports Pass + Deals, contact Michelle Hilborn, Brainerd High School Activities Assistant at 218-454-6300.
