Boosterpalooza 8 Becomes Virtual, Remains Vital

Boosterpalooza, the annual Evanston Township High School (ETHS) Boosters’ fundraiser is virtual for 2020 with a full day and night of online activities and musical performances Saturday, Sept. 12. The eighth edition of the event (traditionally held atop a parking garage) is a flashpoint for a refocused mission to foster wellness, connection and engagement through the arts, clubs and sports ahead of a most unusual school year. Registration and the event will be held at Boosterpalooza.GiveSmart.com. One also can register by texting "boosterpoalooza" to 76278.

“We’ve moved to the laptop from the rooftop because the event is still vital for ETHS extracurriculars – maybe more than ever,” said Boosterpalooza Co-Chairperson Kara Mann. “This year, we are working even harder to foster wellness, connection and engagement for our students. Funds raised through Boosterpalooza support more than just athletics to include all student groups and extra-curricular programs.”

The day kicks off with a live episode of the podcast "Evanston Rules" hosted by Evanstonians Michael DeVaul, Ron Whitmore and Laurice Bell. They will be talking with students from ETHS Students Organized Against Racism, among others. Musical entertainment for the night includes performances by the ETHS Drum Line, The ETHS Dance Company, SIYAHAMBA Virtual Choir made up of ETHS alumni, local bands Chickenbone and Alongside Harold, and more.

“We recognize that it may be a challenging time for people to donate,” says Co-Chairperson Kimberly Dietz. “All support is greatly appreciated by the Boosters. We work closely with ETHS directors to ensure every club, team or group that requests support gets it.”

Examples of the breadth of the Boosters’ impact in the shortened 2019-2020 school year include:

• Physical therapy devices for training team
• Girls basketball practice jerseys
• Portable piano, alto and soprano xylophones for the Wildkit Ensemble (Marching Band)
• Replacement flooring for the ETHS Dance Co.
• New gaming components for the Dungeons and Dragons Club
• New laptops for the DECA team