Better Redfield Booster Club: Igniting Community Spirit and School Pride!

As former Redfield High School grads started filtering back to their hometown, many with young families in tow, they noticed something felt off. Something was just… different.

“It is no secret that the Redfield Pheasants have struggled in recent years on the playing field, which in turn has created a loss of community and school pride,” said Jess Levtzow. “With our own children now entering the school and becoming involved in athletics and extra curriculars, there has been a push to do something about it and turn it around for the future.”

That’s when a group of motivated, community-oriented individuals stepped forward. But what exactly could they do to turn the tide?

Truly Making a Difference

“It quickly turned from casual conversations amongst ourselves, into organizing this nonprofit corporation with a mission and purpose,” said Levtzow.

Cue the establishment of the Better Redfield Booster Club, the first of its kind in Redfield.

Nine community members make up the board, all with young children in the Redfield schools: Local business owners, farmers, doctors, teachers and coaches with one common goal.

“Return Redfield to Relevancy and Restore Pride in our School and Community!” said Levtzow. “Now that we have our feet wet and have raised some money through donations and fundraisers, we will start creating some short and long term goals of how we can best use these funds to truly make a difference.”

Community Spirit is More Than Just a Hashtag

Levtzow, who serves as BRBC treasurer, is the first to admit that Booster Clubs aren’t exactly a new idea. 

“We are not re-inventing the wheel here,” she said. “The formula is out there and many other small schools and communities have them already.”

But in Redfield, the creation of one is proof positive that community support still comes alive in tangible ways; ways far more meaningful than just a hashtag on a fleeting social media post. 

“We want to step in where the school’s budget might fall short and make that a non-issue anymore; to better the experience, facilities, equipment and opportunities for our student athletes.” 

How Can I Support the Booster Club?

Don’t have a student enrolled in the Redfield schools? Empty nesters, singles, and young professionals are still encouraged to get involved.

“While we are not a ‘member managed’ organization, the board still warmly welcomes all ideas and suggestions that we will discuss and weigh before making any final decisions,” said Levtzow. “If you have suggestions of ways in which the Club can be involved, please contact a board member to present your ideas at one of BRBC’s quarterly board meetings.”

• Folks can get involved in a variety of other ways, too, including: 
• Making cash donations to support the BRBC mission:  
  • Checks:  “Better Redfield Booster Club” and mailed to PO Box 60, Redfield, SD 57469 
  • Venmo: @BetterRedfieldBoosterClub
• Attend and support BRBC fundraising events 
• Local businesses can ‘tag team’ alongside any BRBC events to sponsor and support the organization

A Tremendous Show of Support

“The amount of community support has been tremendous thus far,” said Levtzow. “Invested community members have stepped up and volunteered their time, efforts and funds to hold ‘free-will donation meals’ before our home football games this fall.”

Other shows of support for the BRBC have included:

Parents volunteering their time in the summer baseball concession stands and generously donating all of the proceeds
Redfield’s Youth Wrestling Club graciously donating proceeds from their annual golf tournament this past summer

Both, combined with donations from several local businesses and community members has made all the difference in the world.

“Our biggest event so far was holding a 32 team NFL Calcutta which raised over $28,000, in which 20% is raised for the Booster Club with an 80% payout,” said Levtzow. “This will be an annual fundraiser in August before the NFL season begins. We will also be doing a NCAA Calcutta this winter, so be on the lookout for that!”

Are you ready to bring community spirit and school pride back to Redfield? Check out the Better Redfield Booster Club!