By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
When Scott Walker took over as Wisconsin’s governor, school districts were hit with strict budget cuts.
But the hurt wasn’t only felt among teachers and students. Athletic programs had to cut back as well.
At Burlington High School, teams are finding creative to get out in the community and raise money.
That’s what Burlington baseball coach Scott Staude and basketball coach Steve Berezowitz had in mind when they started the Demon Basketball and Baseball Auction/Raffle in 2011.
The duo took months to gather local business sponsors and other supporters to start a community event that’s a lot of fun and can help out with field, uniform and other expenses.
After successful auctions in 2011 and 2012, the guys took a year off.
But the event is back by popular demand in 2014. On Jan. 25, people will have a chance to come to Veteran’s Terrace and win large cash prizes and enjoy live music all in the name of a good cause – the kids.
“UW-Whitewater does this every year, and we were looking for different, creative ways to raise money,” Staude said. “With budget cuts in the athletic department, we’ve had to be creative. Everyone has a great time, and it’s for a good cause.”
Staude said a lot of people wanted the event back after the one-year hiatus. Staude, Berezowitz and their respective coaching staffs spend months preparing and planning the event.
It’s truly something the community can take pride in, and there are a lot of people that put it together.
“This could not be put on without the help and support of our parents and our local businesses, who are also very generous,” Staude said. “The coaching staffs, along with many volunteers help make this event a success for our student-athletes.”
Staude said they want to do it every other year, and the 2012 event helped the teams for two seasons.
The BHS student band “Orange Crush” will perform early in the night. Doors open at 5 p.m. For $10, you can earn a raffle ticket into the grand prize drawing, which will include three $500 winners and 10 winners of smaller amounts.
There will be a cash bar, and soda and food will be free. Along with live music, there will be various games throughout the night. Staude said people don’t have to be present to win prizes.
For this year’s event, the 2004 Demon conference-winning baseball squad will be in attendance to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary.
Tickets can be purchased at Richter’s Marketplace, Gooseberries and the BHS Activities office.
Also, tickets can be purchased at the door.
If you go
What: Demon Basketball and Baseball Auction/Raffle
When: Jan. 25, 5 p.m.
Where: Veteran’s Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave.
Cost: $10 per raffle ticket, tickets on sale at Richter’s Marketplace, Gooseberries and BHS Activities Office
– All proceeds go to the Burlington High School baseball and basketball programs.
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