By James Hanlon
Leader Staff Writer
The Oxford Wildcat Booster Club sold 505 tickets for its annual raffle fundraiser supporting student clubs and sports at Oxford’s high school and middle school. Cash prize winners were drawn and announced during a livestream from the Boosters store downtown the night of Dec. 13.
Since fewer than 650 tickets were sold, instead of a new Jeep, the grand prize reverted to a cash prize of $12,330. The grand prize went to Anne Matthews of Oxford.
Seven additional prize-winners each scored $352:
Ryan Trailer of Northville
Connie Wilson of Oxford
Elizabeth Bennett Faucett of Ortonville
Lynnae Breitschuh of Oxford
Jessica Space of Oxford
Keith Meadows of Oxford
Phyllis Roe of Leonard
The fundraiser generated about $19,000 in proceeds that will directly benefit kids in Oxford.
The Boosters have been inundated with demand for Oxford spirit wear in recent weeks by folks wanting to show Oxford pride and support after the tragedy at Oxford High School.
“It’s been very overwhelming for us,” said Boosters President Danielle Wernis. “We’ve never dealt in this capacity of orders.”
Many volunteers are coming in to help package orders for shipping yard signs and decals. They sold over 7,500 “Oxford Strong” sweatshirts and T-shirts. “Pretty amazing,” Wernis said, “everyone coming together and helping, making it all happen.”
Real Living Kee Realty has graciously donated their next-door office space, 15 E. Burdick, to the club for a little over a year. They use it for their “Wildcat Outfitters” storefront where they sell Oxford gear and merchandise. “We’re fortunate with that,” Wernis said, “because we typically run out of a trailer at the high school.”
All funds go directly to helping students through grants, scholarships and other programs. The nonprofit’s board of directors works with the schools to identify needs they can help support.
The Booster Club was founded in 1972 by Helen Smith and other community members as a way of supporting and celebrating Oxford High School Athletics.