This year, the Delavan Athletic Booster Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary of supporting Delavan students, clubs, and athletics. For five decades, the organization has built a community-driven legacy through its ongoing financial support of Delavan schools and students activities.
The Delavan Athletic Booster Club is composed of community members who support all IESA (grades 5-8) and IHSA (grades 9-12) activities, including athletics as well as speech, scholastic bowl, and e-sports. 

“The Delavan Athletic Booster Club is a fun and energetic group that works together through various fundraising efforts to supply the needs of Delavan sports teams and IHSA activities,” said Booster Club President Lindsay Diekhoff. She explains the importance of the Booster Club for students, coaches, and parents—explaining how the club provides support based on coaches’ requests for equipment, uniforms, and any other essential needs. 

Although the Booster Club has a small membership, its impact on the school and community is significant. The seven-member board consists of President Lindsay Diekhoff, Vice President Jeremy Brockhouse, Secretary Sarah Tierney, Treasurer Jessica Dare, and members Brad Pierson, Chad Houston, and Erika Sipka. The group meets monthly to review coach requests and determine where financial aid will have the greatest impact. 

Beyond the Delavan Athletic Booster Club’s support for extracurricular teams, the Booster Club also assists families in several other ways. The organization helps cover the cost for Hudl subscriptions, giving coaches and athletes access to recording games, game film, and recruiting tools for students seeking college opportunities. It also covers half the athletic trainer fees. The Club also purchases photographers for senior banners, assists with the alumni basketball game, and provides pizza for students attending Fifth Quarter following home basketball games.

Throughout the year, the Booster Club hosts and supports several fundraising events and community opportunities, including: 

• Membership and basketball booster tables
• An annual golf outing each June at Sunset Hills Golf Course in Pekin
• Panther Night Out in March, with the annual theme announced in January
• Pack the Place meals and halftime basketball events
• Athletic trainer fees
• Student scholarships

Finally, as part of the Fall Festival, the Delavan Athletic Booster Club is excited to bring back its old-school bingo tent! They hope to see lots of community members participating at the festival! Community members are invited to join the fun on Sunday, September 6th, from 1 - 4 p.m., and Monday, September 7th, at 12 - 3 p.m. School clubs and sports teams have signed up to operate bingo during different time slots, and all the proceeds earned during their shifts will be deposited into their activity accounts.

For the last 50 years, The Delavan Athletic Booster Club has continued to demonstrate its commitment in supporting Delavan students and members through the generosity of volunteers. Right now, the Booster Club is asking for more community involvement to help with special committees. Your time directly supports Delavan. Parents, alumni, and community members are encouraged to volunteer and help continue the Booster Club’s tradition of giving back. 

For more information or to get involved, contact Booster Club President Lindsay Diekhoff at lindsay.delavanathleticboosters@gmail.com