INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – Dedicated volunteers supporting Independence athletics have now raised ore than $200,000 to support students. And the Independence Athletics Boosters group now has a new record number of volunteers supporting it with more than 70 new people joining. The funding tally has been running since the 2020-21 school year and money has helped improve school facilities for the city’s students. A school statement said: “The Boosters' contributions have funded numerous improvements across the school’s athletic facilities, including a weight room floor, Blue Devil tunnel, golf training center, scoreboard additions in the high school gym, and baseball field upgrades. The organization has also invested in equipment such as a new volleyball net, muscle recovery equipment, and track hurdles.” Also, a new middle school liaison position, filled by Jackie Repicky, has been created to strengthen connections with middle school athletics, resulting in funded improvements such as a new scoreboard and concession stand equipment for middle school sports programs. And the group now has launched team-specific restricted accounts meaning school teams can have more flexibility in accessing the cash raised by the dedicated volunteers. Each account was started with a $250 gift from the Boosters. The statement continued: “The group’s business sponsorship program has shown remarkable growth in its second year, with 14 sponsors now participating and generating over $6,000 – triple the amount raised through previous advertising efforts.” And the group is gearing up for one of its biggest yearly fundraisers with its fourth annual Reverse Raffle on April 5 with an aim of raising $15,000 for athletic programs. The statement said: “Having attracted between 210-220 attendees in each of its first three years, the Boosters are working to reach their target of 250 participants this year to achieve their fundraising goal. The event is approaching a cumulative milestone of $50,000 raised since its inception. Tickets are currently available, with more information accessible at www.iab.ptboard.com.” Future leaders are also being sought to take the organization to the next stage of its growth as the group’s president and vice president positions will be open in the next school year and candidates are being sought. Current board members include Jeff Pascarella, President; Bill Flynn, Vice President; Stephanie Rodriguez, Treasurer; Mike McNamara, Secretary; Erin Dalrymple, Membership; Scott Gibbons, Membership; and Jackie Repicky, IMS Liaison.