Sports

Fundraising a Priority for Salem Linebackers Booster Club

Salem football program in a rebuilding phase, club members say.

The Salem Linebackers Booster Club announced a step toward raising money for the school’s football program: an IRS-authorized non-profit status.

This designation will boost ’s football program, according to a statement released by the club.

“Being designated as a non-profit organization opens many doors we previously were unable to knock on,” said Mike Kelty, new president of the Salem Linebackers. “Any individual or organization that makes an outright gift to the Linebackers can claim a deduction for that gift on their taxes.”

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Salem coaches are rebuilding the football program, and being able to raise money to support the effort will help, according to club members.

Schools are “rightfully focusing more of their funds on academic needs,” the statement said, so extra programs, such as sports need community support to remain competitive.

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“We are excited about this opportunity to attract more resources for the program,” said Kelty, “When we see the success that our brother programs, Plymouth and Canton, have achieved, there is a direct relationship between the support they’ve been able to bring to the table and their recent playoff runs.”

Salem Rocks head coach Kurt Britnell said he is excited by the club’s effort to increase support for his program. “We have a great group of kids coming up through the ranks with a lot of talent,” said Britnell, who has led the team for three years. “We have also built a strong coaching staff. Providing our coaches the resources they need to cultivate that talent will help us move toward our goal of building a playoff-caliber team.”

Tax-deductible gifts for the Salem Football should be directed to Linebackers fundraising committee member Dennis Howie at salemsuccess@gmail.com.


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