Boosters are ready to rock it

Break out the team jerseys, or just some orange and black, and get ready to show some Tiger pride when the Taft Tiger Booster Club hosts its Annual Fall Auction in Lincoln City on Saturday, Oct. 24.

This year's theme, “Tailgating for the Tigers” trades formal attire for team colors, jerseys and game-day gear, for a fun-filled evening of food, fund-raising and friendly competition.

“When you go tailgating before a game it's very relaxed,” said auction coordinator Beth Towers. “People will hang out and mingle and that’s the atmosphere we want to create.”

Guests can enjoy a tailgate-inspired dinner, auction packages, raffles and games, with proceeds supporting athletics, extracurricular programs and other opportunities for students at Taft 7-12.  Money raised helps provide equipment, travel opportunities and experiences that allow students to participate in activities both inside and outside the classroom.

“One thing that some people may not realize is that the boosters help with more than just sports,” Towers said. “We help with drama, band and culinary programs too. Any group can come to us for help with getting an instrument, practice equipment and more.”

The annual fund-raiser has brought the community together for more than 40 years, helping provide resources that extend beyond regular school budgets.

That support is particularly important this year, with anticipated school budget cuts increasing the need for community funding.

“We spend roughly $36,000 per year,” Towers said. “Last year the auction raised $28,000. We’re hoping to do even better this year.”

The Taft Tiger Booster Club has supported local students since 1967 and operates as a nonprofit organization.

“We have sponsors for the event this year, which is really nice,” Towers said. “They will help offset the costs so that more of the money raised at the event goes right to the kids.”

The 21and-over event welcomes all, whether you have a kid in the school or no kids at all.

“We do get a good handful of people that come every year that aren’t teachers or parents,” Towers said.

Saturday’s party begins at 5 pm, with food served from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Chinook Winds Hotel Ballroom, located at 1501 NW 40th Place in Lincoln City​​. Tickets are $55. For tickets and more information, go to the Taft Tigers Boosters page on Facebook.