The Munising Booster Club is a powerhouse of community-driven support, ensuring student-athletes have access to the resources they need without placing a financial burden on families.

Every dollar raised by the club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, goes directly back into athletic programs. There are no salaries, no overhead — just volunteers working to keep sports accessible for all.

Running a nonprofit like this requires structure and accountability. The Booster Club follows Robert’s Rules of Order to ensure decisions are made transparently and fairly. Meetings are held bimonthly, where the four key board positions — president, vice president, secretary and treasurer — along with members at large, review financials, discuss funding requests and vote on expenditures.

Whether it’s replacing a broken hot dog machine in the concession stand or purchasing new football helmets, no money is spent without a proper motion, a second and a vote.

Funding comes primarily from concessions, where volunteers play a crucial role. Parents, athletes and community members working concession shifts directly contribute to keeping sports programs afloat. Selling snacks might not be glamorous, but it’s essential. The profit margins on food are slim, so it takes thousands of sales to fund new equipment, uniforms and travel expenses for teams.

The Booster Club has already made a significant impact. From 2023 to 2024 alone, it spent $30,000 on uniforms and supplies, ensuring student-athletes have what they need to compete.

Last year, 64% of Munising Middle High School students participated in sports, and the Booster Club’s contributions played a key role in making that possible. In 2023, when the boys basketball team traveled downstate and won the state championship, the Booster Club raised an additional $10,000 through community donations to cover hotels, meals, a charter bus and trophies for 14 students and two coaches.

So far in the 2024-2025 school year, the Booster Club has covered the cost of new football pads and helmets for the middle school team, cheerleading uniforms and volleyball nets and equipment. For the middle school football team to receive funding for their new pads, they were required to ensure a set number of volunteer hours from their team members and families in support of the athletic program.

Additionally, the Booster Club continues to provide support for concession equipment and other essential sports-related expenses.

Beyond equipment and travel, the Booster Club also supports student-athletes through scholarships. Seniors who volunteer in concessions have the opportunity to earn a $500 scholarship, reinforcing the value of giving back to the programs that support them.

Looking ahead, the goal is to expand fundraising efforts. Business sponsorships will play a bigger role, providing local companies an opportunity to invest in the community’s youth while gaining visibility through signage at the football field and concession stands. Merchandise sales — such as stadium seats, customized jackets and spirit wear — are also on the table for expansion.

The club is looking into new tools that will help streamline operations and enhance efficiency. An online volunteer sign-up system would make it easier for everyone to get involved. The goal is to have something integrated by the spring sports season, making volunteer coordination more convenient and accessible for all.

Ultimately, this is about ensuring Munising remains a community where every child has the chance to participate in sports without financial barriers. Many other communities require parents to volunteer in order for their children to play, in addition to paying fees that can total hundreds of dollars.

In Munising, thanks to the Booster Club’s efforts, families only pay a minimal $50 fee, which falls significantly short of covering the full costs of participation. The club’s fundraising efforts bridge this gap, ensuring that sports remain accessible and that no child is excluded due to financial constraints.

For those looking for a way to give back, consider showing up for a concession shift, sponsoring a sign or supporting a fundraiser. Anyone is welcome to volunteer — grandparents, aunts, uncles and residents. All play a vital role in keeping these programs strong.

When the community works together, Munising’s student-athletes stay on the field, on the court and in the game. Anyone interested in volunteering can connect via Facebook at MunisingBoosterClub.