BAY MINETTE – Baldwin County High School netted more than $20,000 for its Athletic Department following a hugely successful Drawdown. The event, held at the Bay Minette Civic Center, included dinner, live entertainment, silent auction and culminated in the presentation of a cash prize.

The $5,000 cash prize was ultimately divided among the final five ticket holders who all agreed to split the jackpot. They included Elizabeth and John Byrd, Chuck Stevens, Bob Wills, Amy Wigstrom, and Laura Brothers.

Athletic Director Nathan McDaniel praised the community for its support of the fundraiser and said that support is very much appreciated by the students and teams at BCHS.

“We are very proud of the success we had at the drawdown. It was a tremendous event for our community, our school and our football program,” McDaniel said. “We are extremely grateful for the hard work and time dedicated by the drawdown committee and by all involved in making the event possible. We hope that this event will set the standard for years to come.”

Committee member Tammy Smith said there are many factors that helped make the event a “huge success,” citing volunteers, local vendors and the City of Bay Minette for its support.

“The Drawdown committee was an awesome group of people who worked tirelessly and diligently to make this event a spectacular night,” she said. “The vendor support through contributions for the silent auction far surpassed my expectations. The City of Bay Minette is to be commended for having such a wonderful venue for this type of event.”

Smith said she has heard positive feedback from those who attended the event and hopes to build on that enthusiasm for future endeavors. “The excitement is contagious and we are already making plans for next year’s event,” Smith said.

BCHS Principal Craig Smith echoed those comments. “This was an event that was a great example of what our community will do when they are asked to support their schools and kids.  The turnout, support from businesses, and monetary outcome were all way above what we had projected,” Smith said. “Our town has really come through for our athletics programs and we can't thank them enough.”

 The BCHS Booster Club is now offering sponsorship opportunities for the BCHS Athletic Department this football season. Sponsorship Packages include: $5,000 for signage on the press box, season tickets, parking and concession allotments; $3,000: field logo on the 25-yard line, season tickets, parking and concession allotments; $1,500 for signage on the scoreboard and season tickets; $1,000 for signage on the 25-second clock; $300: Field signs (90- by 36-inches) lining end zones; $150: Quad Signs (four advertisements on banner); and $75: Alumni Wall.

For more information about how to become a sponsor, call the school at 251-937-2341.