By Jodie Dello Stritto
The Bellefonte Raiders had a milestone season in 2022. The Lady Raiders Varsity team had the winningest season in program history and earned a spot in the District Championship for the first time ever. Molly McKee a 22 reached a career 100-goal mark and was the first Lady Raider to commit to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level.
Since Bellefontea s boys and girls middle school lacrosse program of over 30 players is fully funded by booster efforts and the boys and girls high school programs of approximately 50 is also supplemented with booster funds, the boosters recognize the importance of creative and unique fundraising ideas. The boosters are excited to announce the return of the Taste of Bellefonte/Best of Bellefonte raffle!
Get your ‘Taste of Bellefonte’, and ‘Best of Bellefonte’ raffle tickets March 6 th – 30 th to support the Bellefonte Raiders Lacrosse program by calling 814-810-3960, emailing laxboosters@basd.net or by visiting Robin Hood Brewing Co. in Bellefonte on Saturday, March 11 th. You could win a prize pack of gift certificates from beloved, iconic Bellefonte restaurants (worth $790) a or other local merchant prizes (valued over $2,700). Tickets are just $10. Drawing will be held April 6 th.
Last Yeara s Fundraising Success
To help support the rapid growth of Raiders LAX, the programa s boosters developed a The Taste of Bellefontea /a Best of Bellefontea raffle. Last year this raffle helped the group reach not only their monetary goals, but their overarching program goals by appealing to the community, helping promote local businesses, and supporting the same values taught by the coaches a be a positive representative of your team and community on and off the field. The boosters felt creating a fundraiser that highlighted and promoted local businesses that players have grown up knowing and enjoying, working for, and will hold memories of throughout their lives would be a great way to support these values.
Many local businesses participated and the community came out in force for ticket sales at just $10 per ticket. Funds raised were enough to provide significant support to all of the district teams (boys and girls high school and middle school). This included all Middle school league fees and officials, additional training equipment and aids, high school scrimmages (officials and travel), team-building activities, team uniforms, end-of-season recognition and much more.
The success of the fundraiser not only benefitted the players and the program, but the businesses that were involved received significant exposure through multiple article placements in local online publications and social media outlets, as well as a television segment.
a |And Even More Excitement for This Year
The Taste of Bellefonte/Best of Bellefonte runs March 6th through March 30th. Shannon Lake, the groupa s Fundraising Committee Chair is excited to have businesses from last year want to remain involved AND gain new, fun and unique options for this yeara s ticket. While local foods remain the focus of the grand prize, such as Robin Hood Brewing Company, Mamma Lucreziaa s and Creekside at the Gamble Mill, Shannon is excited that new businesses want to join in the raffle. a A Party Bus for 12 is being donated by DC Landscaping of Bellefonte, a photo session from Dirt Road Photography, as well as prizes from newcomers such as The Governora s Pub, Helen Foxx & Co and Lyona s Kennels Pet Store – A so wea re really humbled, excited and fortunate to have so many generous businesses want to be involved.a This yeara s grand prize of 14 gift certificates donated by some of the most beloved and iconic local restaurants/eateries is worth nearly $800!
Participating Taste of Bellefonte Prize Pack donors include: Robin Hood Brewing Co., Waffle Shop, The Blonde Bistro, Creekside at the Gamble Mill, Pizza Mia, URBN Flavourhaus, Mamma Lucreziaa s, Jima s Italian Cuisine, Troya s Philadelphia-Style Hoagies, Bellefonte Wok, Bonfattoa s Italian Market, The Governora s Pub, BBQ by Clem and Rosiea s Pierogies. With the prize pack totaling $790.
The Best of Bellefonte Party Bus Prize Pack (valued at over $775) a includes a Party Bus for 12 to a location of choice within Centre County, donated by DC Landscaping, along with gift certificates to stock up for the trip from Nastase Beer Distributor, Giant Food Stores and Hofbrau Pizza.
The Best of Bellefonte Beauty Prize Pack (valued at over $640) has goods and gift certificates from Big Spring Spirits, Dirt Road Photography, Confera s Jewelers, New Wave Salon, Woodringa s Floral Gardens, Helen Foxx & Co., Sage Beauty Co., Stella & Dot, The Silver Den, and Happy Wraps.
The Best of Bellefonte Beast Prize Pack (valued over $560) has gift certificates from Axemann Brewery, Lyona s Kennels Pet Store, Tussey Mountain Outfitters, Nittany Meats, Centre Boot Company, Weis Markets, Ports Sports Emporium, Taylor Butts Auto DetailingA and Ingrama s Market.
Other groups have also donated significant services to help the program such as Grove Printing.
For info on how to get raffle tickets, call Bellefonte Lacrosse Fundraising Committee member, Lisa, at 814-810-3960 or contact the group via email laxboosters@basd.net to purchase. Also, you can reach out or follow them on social media to see who wins on Facebook at Bellefonte Lacrosse or on Instagram.
