On Saturday, March 19, the Fifth Annual Back the PAC was a resounding success.
“We are overwhelmed by the community’s support for Pinecrest High School Athletics,” said Christa Gilder, auction co-chair.
The event’s goal was to generate $150,000 to support Pinecrest’s student-athletes with a special “Fund a Need” emphasis on the replacement of grass in the stadium with turf and modernizing the Exceptional Classroom Outdoor Learning Center & Playground. When the night was over, the event was able to exceed its goal.
“It was a fun and high energy event — Patriot energy! We could not have imagined going into the night that we were going to set a fundraising record.” said Lisa Hees, auction co-chair.
Created in 2016, the Pinecrest High School Athletics Booster Club, known as the PAC, provides support and funding for all athletic teams at the school through projects, fundraisers, concessions and other special events. This support includes improving facilities and equipment, supplementing funding of extra needs for athletic activities and promoting school spirit.
Funds generated from previous Back the PAC events were used to build locker rooms, the girls’ weight room, install well and irrigation on the practice fields, pay referee fees, provide buses for post-season tournament play, provide two annual scholarships to graduating seniors, and install new scoreboards in both gymnasiums, the softball field and the main stadium.
The Athletic Department provides athletic opportunities for approximately 1,000 student-athletes across 23 teams, which is nearly 50 percent of the Pinecrest student population. The Patriots participated in and traveled to 578 athletic events covering 14,000 miles.
Gate receipts and $20,000 from Moore County Schools support the Athletic Department budget, but total expenses exceed $205,000. Most of the expenses are generated by athletic field maintenance, travel expenses, mandated equipment recertification, and annual fees to the conference and NCHSAA. These Athletic Department expenses do not consist of individual team needs, which include purchasing uniforms and new equipment.
“A special thanks goes out to Lisa Hees, co-chair, and our auction committee consisting of Elizabeth Bode, Tracy Corbett, Shannon Stites, Marie Lewis, Courtney Karres, and Michelle Martin. This team spent countless hours, days and months committed to making this the best auction ever and they succeeded! It was an honor to work along with them and each of them.” said Mrs. Gilder. “Additionally, thank you to Principal Phillips, Athletic Director Jeff Hewitt, head coaches, and assistant coaches for going above and beyond for our Pinecrest Patriot student athletes.
Since its inception, the PAC now has raised over $660,000 to expand and enhance the quality of athletic programs at Pinecrest High School. Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual Back the PAC, March 18, 2023. It will be a St Paddy’s celebration.
Contributed.
