March 28, 2024

Group raising funds for new scoreboard

Clarke Athletic Booster Club is trying their hand at crowdfunding to raise money for a new football scoreboard.

The current board has displayed the score to football fans for 35 years, but has required several costly replacement parts over the past few years. Even with the repairs, the scoreboard is unreliable and has stopped working during games.

The boosters hope a new scoreboard will promote pride, not only with the football program, but also with the Clarke marching band, track and field program, Clarke School District and entire community.

They have set up a page on crowdfunding site Depositagift.com in attempts to reach that community. Crowdfunding works by raising small amounts of money from a large number of donors by casting a wide net on the internet. There is a social aspect to crowdfunding where one can see who else has donated, although there is also an option to remain anonymous. Some money has been raised, but they are still short of the $30,000 needed for a new scoreboard.

Clarke Booster Club President Robin Linskens said this about why supporting athletic programs is important, “Participating in organized sports teaches our athletes teamwork, sportsmanship, motivation, discipline, cooperation, motivation and builds character. These are the stepping stones in assisting in developing our future leaders and members of any community.”

The boosters hope word will get out about their crowdfunding site and will attract donations from alumni young and old who would like to help promote Clarke Pride. To sweeten the pot, through July 31 they are including Clarke Athletic Booster Club memberships with donations, along with free Clarke merchandise, depending on the level of sponsorship. They are hoping the community will rally around the cause, and then rally around the Clarke football and track teams, playing under the glow of a brand new, working scoreboard.

To learn more or donate, visit depositagift.com and search “Clarke Scoreboard.” If you would rather not donate online, call Robin Linskens at 641-414-2329 for more information.