As students hit the books and playing fields in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, PTAs, coaches, athletic directors and administrators are tasked with finding ways to help raise funds amid tight budgets.
Parents of students at Moorestown High School, and Haddonfield High School, Sherri and Perry Gold, and Marc Rosenthal, who are also the entrepreneurs behind the launch of the Sports & Education Expo (www.SportsEducationExpo.com) in Philadelphia Dec. 13 through Dec. 15, have a novel way for schools, clubs and sports teams throughout the region to earn up to 50 percent back on each ticket sold.
“In addition to receiving a higher return than other fundraisers, selling tickets to an event directly geared to schools and families is easier than selling chocolate, magazines, cookie dough and wrapping paper,” said Sherri Gold.
Youth tickets, for ages 13–18, are $10 each and adult tickets are $20 each, good for all day Saturday and Sunday of the sports, wellness, and education event at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Children 12 and under receive free tickets to the Expo.
Tickets can be sold starting Sept. 15 and funds can be earned and spent prior to the December Expo. The fundraiser ends Nov. 1 or earlier if the organization chooses.
“It’s an ideal fit, because the Expo is an event directly geared for parents, students, coaches, athletic directors and guidance counselors,” explained Perry Gold.
The weekend Expo will feature workshops on student leadership, sports injury prevention, bullying, college planning, nutrition, health and wellness and positive coaching, including a Friday, two-hour coaches’ clinic from major league baseball legends Cal Ripken, Jr. and Bill Ripken, formerly with the Baltimore Orioles.
“There will be a college fair for athletes and non-athletes as well as celebrity appearances, autographs, demonstrations, clinics and exhibits,” added Rosenthal. Baseball, softball, golf, soccer, lacrosse, football, tennis and rowing are the featured sports this year.
A short video about the Expo made by 15-year-old Expo intern Megan Schultheis, a Cherokee High School student, in Marlton can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRBoyxI-ghU .
For more fundraising and Expo information, visit www.sportseducationexpo.com/program/fundraising-opportunity or call Sherri at (800) 825–1575 or Perry at (626) 622–7902.
