Originally published in print in November 2025. View print issues here.

With many sports to account for, the Branham Sports Boosters has organized several programs to help raise funds for athletics — one of those programs being the snack shack. 

Sports Booster volunteer Judy Cubiss says that raising necessary funds can’t be attained with one method, but rather a combination of several strategies. 

“The events that we’ve done would also raise money for sports,” Cubiss said. “People sometimes donate directly and match through their companies.”

However, with the abundance in sports, donations alone do not raise enough of the desired or needed funds. desired or. To satisfy the needs of many teams, the Sports Boosters call on parents and students to volunteer at organized events like the snack shack. The snack shack has been a staple at school sports games for several years, building community, encouraging engagement and aiding in the initiative to fund sports on campus. 

“It’s more community building, and the money’s almost a bonus,” Cubiss said. “[The system] is very volunteer heavy.” 

According to junior Aaron Jewall, the shack takes volunteers, starting from age 13, to help run food, barbecue and fulfill other responsibilities during specific sports events. Like many others, Jewall initially found it appealing because it guaranteed $20 to be donated to any sport of his choice; however, he stayed because of the community of volunteers. Although some view this as a chore, Jewall looks forward to the work.

“I really love doing it,” Jewall said. “I wanted to help raise more money for [the soccer team] as well.”

Moreover, Jewall works hard to balance programs like theater alongside the snack shack. 

“I’m actually sad because I can’t do any of the other football games this year because I have theater,” Jewall said.

When it comes to the majority of students, finding free time is not always a given. The snack shack performs well because it is a way for nonvolunteers to directly help raise money.

“You get something in return,” Jewall said. “You get a food item or a drink item, and you’re helping support a team and that makes you feel more inclined to purchase.”

In terms of where that money goes once it’s granted, girls varsity soccer head coach Erich Rabago gives some insight. 

“We got new uniforms this year, and boosters helped out. We just requested the money, and then they voted on it,” Rabago said. “That money has been allocated to help out for senior night, so that’s another driving force for me to do it because senior night’s a special night to me, and I want to make sure that it continues to be special.”

For someone like Rabago — who is in a coaching position — being able to connect with his players is not just important, but also a motivation to volunteer.

“Working at the snack shack is a chance for me to connect with the players,” Rabago said. “[It] gives me a chance to give back to Branham and just connect with the parents and the faculty.”

Although volunteers don’t receive the proceeds directly, the desire to volunteer comes from a want to help and bond.

“It’s simply for the love of the kids and love of the school and to support all the kids playing sports,” Rabago said.

Photo by Kendall Ladd