Plant City businesses do a lot to support local schools financially.
At Plant City High School, a new program is working to ensure that Raider-supporting businesses get the most out of their money.
The newly-formed Raider Champions allows local businesses to donate to Plant City High School at various sponsor levels, ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 and above. Business sponsors can earmark their money for specific school programs, such as drama, band or athletics.
In turn, the school will show their support for donors. Based on sponsorship levels, businesses will receive a number of benefits for their continued support. Benefits range from small tokens, such as Plant City High School golf umbrellas and a Raider Champion plaque, to video commercials, advertising banners, athletic packages and a meet-and-greet with school board members.
The initiative is a way to benefit all stakeholders: students, business owners and the Plant City community.
“Our school has so many different clubs, organizations and sports that go out and ask for support,” Lori Yarbrough, who is helping lead Raider Champions, said. “That was part of the problem we were trying to solve.”
Raider Champions allows businesses to donate as little as once per year while maximizing both their donation and their benefits.
“We needed to up our game,” Yvonne Fry, PTSA President, said. “We’re looking for that partnership to be two sided. We believe there will be more donations to our school by being more streamline and people seeing the big picture.”
As kids and clubs receive funding, businesses will receive support through advertising. They will be known as
Raider Champions through yard signs, newspaper ads and advertising banners. The goal, Fry said, is to make donors feel appreciated through the necessary support they give to the school. Benefits also can be customized based on a business’s desire or needs.
To ensure that the program is effective, Yarbrough will be responsible for making sure donors receive a donor package. Funds, too, will be carefully dispersed.
Plant City High School Principal Susan Sullivan has expressed her support for Raider Champions.
“If you’re doing something for us, then we need to be doing something for you,” Sullivan said. “We want (donors) to know how much we appreciate them. We’re excited already about the partnerships that have been established. Our goal is to support them and in turn making other folks aware of the fact that they’re Raider Champions.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.