Local parents help bridge the gap between school funding and student need

By Anna Hughes

Founded in 1949, the Hinsdale Central High School Booster Club supports students by providing grant opportunities for all school athletics and activities. The nonprofit was originally founded to help the school’s football team, but in the 75 years since, it has expanded to serve a wide range of sports, arts, and clubs. It’s managed by a dedicated team of parents, who, in collaboration with the HCHS principal, athletic director, and activities director, raise money throughout the year.

The HCHS Booster Club raises money in three ways: memberships, spirit wear, and concessions. Memberships, which allow admission into all regular season home games, fund the majority of the Booster’s budget. Through their three avenues of fundraising, they’ve raised $400,000 over the last six years. The money is then distributed to grant and scholarship recipients.

“I like the idea that there really are no limits to what the ask can be, and it allows us to really, you know, spread the money around and impact as many kids as we can impact,” Booster Club president Rob Tonn said.

Over the years, teams have asked for training equipment they can’t afford due to budget restrictions, and the club can help bridge that gap. The Boosters have also provided golf bags for the golf team, lights for the theater, as well as the initial funding to start the robotics club and buy the necessary equipment. This year, they’re even putting a bocce ball court in the school. None of it would be possible without the dedication of all the parent volunteers and board members.

“People think that in a town like Hinsdale and a school like Hinsdale Central, there isn’t need, but that certainly isn’t true,” Tonn said. “There are always limits to funding and things that these teams and clubs would go without if we weren’t doing what we were doing.”

The Booster Club is looking for volunteers and board members for this upcoming school year. Anyone interested should visit theboosters.com for more information on the work they do.