Cal Club Softball is looking to hit it out of the park this season, and we need your help to score big!
With your support, we can overcome financial hurdles and fully embrace the opportunities that lie ahead for our team. Our fundraising project this year is centered around ensuring the sustainability and growth of Cal Club Softball as we strive to build a competitive and supportive environment for our players. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to cover essential expenses like transportation costs for tournaments, registration fees, uniforms, and equipment maintenance.
The funds raised will directly support our participation in various competitions and events, allowing us to improve our skills and foster team camaraderie. Additionally, they will enable us to secure transportation for away games and tournaments, preventing challenges we faced in our inaugural season. By alleviating the financial burdens associated with competing, we can focus on our performances and continue to strengthen our team dynamics, fostering a lasting community for our student-athletes. Your support will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals and enhance our overall experience at Berkeley.
Cal Club Softball was formed in 2019 by Emily Ramey as a student-run sport, driven by a passion for competition and camaraderie. The club was created to give smart, passionate women the chance to keep playing the sport we love while thriving academically at Berkeley. There was a need for a supportive community where twenty talented like-minded women could come together to compete and have fun. Since our inception, we've grown to include a dedicated and talented roster of players who share a love for the game.
Although we've faced challenges, including navigating the lack of school funding, our resilience and teamwork have allowed us to thrive. In 2023, we became an officially recognized club sport, enhancing our visibility and resources while proudly getting to represent our school. We compete in the NCSA Division 1 Pacific Central Conference, where we face strong competition against UC Davis, UC Merced, UCSC, and Sacramento State, while fostering a supportive team environment. We've also had the opportunity to travel to prestigious institutions, including USC and the University of Oregon, participating in various tournaments that have tested our skills and strengthened our bond as a team.
While our journey as a club sport has been short, it hasn't been without its challenges. Last year, we faced significant obstacles, largely due to a lack of funding and support. One particularly tough experience was when our planned train back to Berkeley from Eugene, Oregon was canceled. With classes looming the next day, we knew we had to find a way back. However, we had no place to stay nor even food to eat, forcing us to hitchhike into a dangerous area and spend the night on the airport floor. On top of that, because we had not budgeted for airfare, we feared we couldn't even afford the flight home. Despite multiple attempts to seek help from club sports, we found ourselves turning to our families and friends for emergency assistance. While their generosity allowed us to raise the necessary funds and return to home, the struggles we endured at the time were traumatizing. With better resources, we could have secured more reliable transportation and cushioned our budget to avoid the unlucky cancelation. This year, we are prioritizing every cent of our budget and finances to prevent another tragedy from happening. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue competing at a high level, building on our past victories, exploring new opportunities, and embracing the challenges that lie ahead, but none of this is possible without your support!
The funds raised will be utilized to cover several key expenses for our team. First and foremost, we will allocate a significant portion towards transportation costs for tournaments, ensuring we can travel safely and reliably to compete against other schools. Additionally, funds will be used to pay for registration fees for competitions, allowing us to secure our spots in these events. We also plan to invest in new gear, including uniforms and equipment, to enhance our team's performance and promote a strong sense of unity. Collectively, these expenditures will provide us with the resources needed to thrive both on and off the field. Your support will be vital in helping us achieve our goals this season, enabling us to focus on our training and competitions without financial barriers.
Budget breakdown:
This structured approach will help us maximize our fundraising efforts and ensure that every dollar is put to good use, ultimately enhancing our team’s competitive experience and creating lasting memories.
Please note that all donations are tax deductible. If we do not reach our funding goal, any funds raised will still be utilized to cover a portion of our key expenses, such as travel and tournament fees, allowing us to continue participating in competitions at a reduced capacity. We will prioritize essential needs to ensure that our project remains viable and our team can still compete effectively. Surpassing our goal will allow us to budget for the future iterations of Cal Club Softball!
Thank you so much for your support, and Go Bears! Please connect with us on Instagram: @calclubsoftball.
* - estimates are rough only and actual expenditures may vary
The Cal Club Softball board will send you a personalized thank you email for your support!
Receive a social media shoutout on Instagram for your support! @calclubsoftball
The Cal Club Softball board will send you a handwritten thank you letter for your support, signed by the entire team!
The Cal Club Softball team will create a personalized thank you video, expressing our gratitude!
For donations of $1000 or more, your or your business' name will be placed on our website and written on our team banner to proudly display at tournaments!