On a recent Sunday, as Palisadians perused fresh vegetables at the farmers market, or stopped to get their cars washed next to Ralphs, or made a quick trip into Starbucks for a pick-me-up, they were greeted by the smiling faces of players on the Palisades High football team.
The players were selling cards that gave discounts at 21 local businesses, including Café Vida, the Massage Place and Açaí Nation as part of a fundraiser backed by the Quarterback Club.
Last season, the varsity team won the Western League championship for the first time in more than 30 years and the JV team won its second straight league title. This spring, the Quarterback Club was founded as a way to raise money for the football program.
Although the program is supposed to be funded through educational spending by the state of California, the money allotted to football cannot sustain the 100 players on both teams.
“The Pali Quarterback Club must fundraise to meet the football program’s total budget, less than 10 percent of which is funded directly by Palisades High,” said club president Lisa Manheim.
Manheim is one of 18 members of the Quarterback Club, which is a nonprofit comprised of current parents. Her son, Jonah, is a junior and plays quarterback and tight end for the team.
The Quarterback Club devised the idea to sell discount cards as a way to help pay the remaining 90 percent of the football budget. The cards are being sold for $20 and do not expire until March 31, 2017, which means that if the card is used often it will pay for itself. All $20 goes to the team because the local businesses agreed to be sponsors of the team. The players sold 200 cards on two Sundays in May.
Manheim noted that the cards are beneficial to the team and the town. “The response from the local community has been just great,” she said. “It’s a win-win because the locals save money, local businesses get more business and the football team raises needed funds.”
In addition to the discount cards, the Quarterback Club is reaching out to local alumni and residents interested in the program, and plans to hold a Season Kick-Off BBQ at the end of summer.
Income from the cards will help pay for tournament fees, new equipment (shoulder pads, and helmets), and first-aid supplies. The long-term goal is to pay for upgrades to the weight room and purchase new strength and conditioning equipment.
The Quarterback Club plans to sell more discount cards at Fourth of July festivities, including while the football players once again help carry banners in the parade.
Visit QBClub@palifootball.org for more information.
By Sarah Stockman
Palisades News Reportor
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