The Boosted Volunteer

What if the secret to raising $14,000 in three weeks was already sitting in your pocket? Most booster clubs settle for the "standard" chocolate or much sales that require endless physical labor for a small fraction of the profit. This week on The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler welcomes Marsha Sray, a fundraising powerhouse and former band booster president who turned a dilapidated equipment trailer into a rallying cry for an entire community. Marsha shares the exact strategies she used to "restore the pride" and explains why peer-to-peer fundraising is the ultimate engine for modern booster clubs. Whether you are trying to fund new uniforms, a championship trip, or just want to stop selling mattresses in the band hall, Marsha’s hands-on experience will show you how to turn a daunting financial goal into an exciting, high-energy event. Key Takeaways: 01:33 The "Eyesore" Inspiration: How an aging, disintegrating band trailer wrap became the catalyst for Marsha’s first major fundraising success. 03:00 Storytelling that Sells: Why one student’s quote about a truck "carrying our pride" was more effective than any professional marketing campaign. 04:16 The Power of the Ask: Why sitting around and talking about a problem for a year won't solve it, but simply asking the community will. 05:30 Peer-to-Peer vs. Static Pages: Understanding the "Ask-a-thon" model—using urgency, time limits, and exponential community growth to drive donations. 07:51 The "Magic" Number of Asks: Why most donations happen between the fifth and seventh time a person is asked. 09:25 Raising $15,000 in One Hour: The crucial role of the "kickoff" event and why being prepared with a contact list is the difference between success and a slow start. 11:13 Incentives & Humiliation Rituals: From duct-taping directors to the wall to eating ranch-flavored crickets—how non-monetary "hustle awards" drive student participation. 15:35 The Personal Touch: Why a phone call to Grandma or a personal text to an uncle outperforms automated messages every time. 17:55 Aspirational Budgeting: Why you should always push your goal just a little bit beyond what you think is attainable. 20:07 Celebrating the Fruits of Labor: The importance of a "reveal party" to show donors exactly what their money provided. Is your booster club running like a champ or just getting by? Visit BoosterHub.com to find the tools you need to manage your nonprofit responsibly, raise more money, and get back to the activities that matter most.

As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities continue to reshape athletics, their impact is no longer limited to college programs. In this insightful episode, former professional football player and NIL education advocate Dr. John DeWitt joins host Robin Eissler to explore what this evolving landscape means for high school athletes, families — and most importantly — Booster Clubs. A former 12-year professional football player turned chiropractor, author, and keynote speaker, Dr. DeWitt is the founder of JD Football Training, where he provides NIL and recruiting education to student-athletes, parents, and school communities. In this conversation, Dr. DeWitt shares practical, real-world perspectives on navigating state-specific NIL rules, managing changing team dynamics, and turning potential disruption into meaningful opportunities for athletic programs. He also unpacks sponsorship complexities and leadership challenges, equipping volunteers with clear, actionable insights to stay prepared in a rapidly shifting environment.. Key Takeaways: 1:52 - NIL opportunities are expanding into high school athletics, creating confusion due to varying rules across states, districts, and schools. 3:33 - Booster Clubs must distinguish between team sponsorships and individual NIL deals to avoid compliance risks and locker-room tension. 5:40 - Families should avoid rushing into NIL agreements and carefully review expectations, exclusivity clauses, and long-term eligibility implications. 6:54 - Athletes with strong social media followings are increasingly attracting NIL opportunities, blending performance recognition with influencer marketing. 9:59 - NIL arrangements may influence Booster Club fundraising if donors feel contributions are benefiting individual athletes instead of the entire program. 11:25 - Coaches can turn NIL disparities into leadership opportunities that strengthen discipline, teamwork, and motivation. 12:15 - Education and proactive communication help Booster Clubs confidently navigate evolving NIL rules and responsibilities. 16:01 - Student-athletes should stay focused on long-term development rather than becoming distracted by short-term NIL incentives. 18:46 - Setting new goals after achieving milestones is essential for sustaining growth both in sports and in life. Resources: LinkedIn: Dr. John DeWittFree NIL Resource: https://jdfootballtraining.com/NIL

If your booster club’s graphics look inconsistent, outdated, or thrown together at the last minute… sponsors notice. And so do parents, athletes, and recruiters. In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Becki Jacobs, founder of Team Mom Boutique, to share how booster clubs can create a professional, consistent, and sponsor-ready social media presence—without hiring a designer. Becki, a former corporate digital product designer turned youth sports entrepreneur, built Teen Mom Boutique after seeing teams struggle to create polished graphics from scratch each season. What started as cheer templates for her daughters’ teams has grown into full-season Canva bundles designed specifically for booster clubs, sports teams, and marching bands. In this conversation, you’ll learn how to stop “winging it” on social media and start building a simple, repeatable system that elevates your program. Key Takeaways 1:53 — Booster clubs often struggle with inconsistent graphics; reusable Canva templates eliminate the need to start from scratch each season. 5:24 — Canva is ideal for volunteer-run programs because it’s simple, collaborative, and easy to transition between leaders. 7:16 — A full-season bundle includes 78 templates covering registration, game days, player spotlights, and sponsor recognition. 9:52 — Focus on three weekly posts: upcoming events, recognition, and game results. 11:07 — Strong, well-planned photos are just as important as the templates themselves. 13:12 — Professional, consistent graphics increase sponsor visibility and renewal potential. 14:30 — A polished social presence helps athletes and programs stand out. 16:00 — Canva simplifies leadership handoffs and protects brand consistency. 17:47 — Start simple: post schedules, game days, and final scores—then build from there. Resources: Special Offer: Use Code Boost26 for 10% off Website: https://www.teammomboutique.com/ Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckijacobs/ Facebook & Instagram: @teamomboutique TikTok: Team Mom Boutique

What if your Booster Club didn’t rely on the same five people every single week? In this episode of the Boosted Volunteer Podcast, host Robin Eissler sits down with Sharon—better known online as "The Band Mom”—and her husband Jeremy, who ran concession stand operations for the Waxahachie High School band to unpack how they transformed concessions from a stressful scramble into a fun, well-run operation that volunteers actually wanted to be part of. From doubling volunteer participation to running concession stands like a real business, Sharon and James share practical, field-tested strategies that any Booster Club can use—whether you’re managing Friday night football in Texas or juggling shared facilities across multiple programs. This isn’t theory—it’s real-world Booster Club leadership from people who’ve done the work. Sharon and James show how treating concessions like a business and volunteers like valued teammates can change everything. Key Takeaways 0:30 Why this episode is for the few volunteers doing most of the work and how that burnout shows up in Booster Clubs. 1:27 Sharon’s journey to becoming the “Band Mom” and how long-term band involvement shaped her leadership approach. 4:00 What wasn’t working in concessions when Sharon and James took over and the common challenges most booster programs face. 5:47 How managing shared concession stands requires strong relationships with school staff and facilities teams. 8:27 The relationship-based strategy that helped double the number of volunteers. 10:20 Why a positive, fun volunteer experience keeps people coming back and attracts new help. 14:00 How assigning clear roles helps volunteers feel confident and reduces stress during busy events. 16:14 Using point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, and credit cards to run concessions like a real business. 20:21 How creative, limited-time menu items help build excitement and boost concession sales. 22:07 Why adding drink-only lines improved speed, sales, and the overall fan experience. Resources: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealbandmom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbandmom/?hl=en Website: https://therealbandmom.com/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebandmom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealBandMom

What happens when a “simple” school volunteer role reveals a world of legal risk, tax responsibilities, and structural gaps that no one warned you about? For attorney, author, and nonprofit advocate Sandy Pfau Englund, that moment didn’t send her running—it launched a national organization that now supports 7,000+ Booster Clubs across the country. In this week’s episode of The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Sandy to unpack the surprising realities behind Booster Club compliance, the evolution of parent-led school groups, and how a PTO disaster in rural North Carolina sparked an entire movement toward better systems, safer practices, and empowered volunteers. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the crucial steps every Booster Club needs to take to protect its volunteers and its funds. From understanding 501(c)(3) status to preventing fraud, Sandy’s expertise is a must-listen for anyone involved in school fundraising. Key Takeaways 0:30 — Meet Sandy Pfau Englund An attorney, author, and nonprofit expert with 30+ years of experience helping parent-led school groups operate legally and effectively. 2:01 — How Sandy Accidentally Entered the Booster World A writing assignment and a move to North Carolina unexpectedly launched her journey. 3:04 — The PTO “Disaster” That Changed Everything How seeing a poorly run PTO revealed the massive gap between volunteer intentions and legal responsibilities. 4:17 — The Need for an Easier Way Why Sandy built Parent Booster USA to remove fear, confusion, and liability for everyday volunteers. 5:01 — Starting Parent Booster USA Her big-picture approach, the leap of faith, and the early entrepreneurial realities. 5:51 — What Parent Booster USA Actually Does A clear breakdown of the paperwork, incorporation, tax-exempt setup, compliance support, and annual maintenance services. 7:02 — The IRS Group Exemption Model How Booster Clubs become nonprofits under PBUSA’s umbrella—without filing their own 1023. 8:25 — How Technology Keeps Booster Clubs Compliant Everything from EIN setup to state filings, charity registrations, and ongoing deadlines. 9:45 — Why Compliance Matters After Leadership Changes The critical role PBUSA plays in ensuring a Booster Club doesn’t lose its status when volunteers rotate out. 11:03 — Growing Pains & Lessons Learned Behind-the-scenes stories—including a near-crisis—that shaped today’s stronger systems. 12:42 — Building Better Tools for Volunteers How challenges led to automation, alerts, and streamlined processes for thousands of clubs. Resources Mentioned: Book: School Fundraising: So Much More Than Cookie Dough (available online) https://sandrapfauenglund.com https://parentbooster.org

What if hitting your fundraising goal meant dumping a cooler of ice water on your band director? That's exactly the fun, high-stakes gamble the Polar Bear Band Boosters in West Virginia used to raise over $10,000 in a single week! Join host Robin Eissler as she talks with this week's guest, Chris Sharps, the social media coordinator for the Fairmont Senior High School Polar Bear Band Boosters. Chris, whose background is in higher education recruitment, enrollment, and technology integration—including a forward-thinking approach to AI in knowledge management—shares the secret sauce to their massively successful social media fundraising campaign. Discover how cleaning up their online presence, using short-form video, and leveraging the power of alumni storytelling transformed a modest $2,000 campaign into a $10,000 capital replacement success! Plus, find out how accepting credit cards dramatically increased their concession sales. This episode is packed with tactical, real-world advice to help your Booster Club stop struggling with traditional sales and start seeing major returns on their digital efforts. Key Takeaways: 7:20 - Credit Card Sales: Switching to credit cards at concessions boosted sales by 30% to 50%. 11:17 - $10,000 Social Fundraiser: How a "Polar Bear Plunge" challenge raised over $10,000 in one week for a new trailer. 19:15 - Alumni Gold: Use storytelling to tap into alumni and alumni parents, who are often your largest donors. 21:43 - Matching Funds Power: Securing matching funds upfront raised the average donation to about $75 and encouraged more first-time giving. 26:03 - Magic Seven: The power of seven: Consistent daily posts for a week is the key to driving action and donations. 28:15 - Streaming Tech: Invest in tech like external microphones and a gimbal—and watch out for your phone overheating during live streams.

What happens when a passion for music, family, and community blends with strong leadership and smart fundraising? This week’s episode of the Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosted by Robin Eissler, shines a spotlight on Jessica Enneking, Co-President of the Lakeville South Band Boosters. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience and a deep commitment to giving back, Jessica shares her journey from parent volunteer to co-leading one of the largest band booster programs in Minnesota. From building a “band family” of 600 students and parents to launching creative fundraisers like the Band Breakfast Bonanza and their first-ever craft fair, Jessica offers invaluable insight into what it takes to keep a thriving music program alive and growing. You’ll also hear how Booster Hub transformed their communication and organization, making life easier for both directors and families. Key Takeaways: (2:45) How Jessica’s early involvement prepared her for Booster leadership. (6:11) The growth of Lakeville South’s band program and opportunities it provides. (8:53) Why Booster Hub has been “life-changing” for communication and efficiency. (10:06) Fundraising strategies: Band Breakfast Bonanza, silent auctions, raffles, and craft fairs. (15:14) Defining roles between directors and boosters to align vision and reduce conflict. (17:19) Creating structured board positions to encourage accountability and engagement. (20:14) Celebrating a decade of passion and pride in competitive marching band. Whether you’re running a band, sports, or arts booster, Jessica’s story is full of inspiration and practical strategies you can apply to your own organization. Resources: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-enneking-lmft-b6888410/

What does it take to build long-term infrastructure for a Booster Club that supports athletes, coaches, and parents? This week, Robin Eissler sits down with Jason Stover, Vice President of the Eagle Touchdown Club in Prosper, Texas, and former officer of the Reynolds Athletics Booster Club. With experience leading clubs at both the middle school and high school levels, Jason brings a wealth of insight into what it really takes to build strong, lasting support for student-athletes. Jason is a former military serviceman whose journey began in high school Junior ROTC, led to serving in the Army, and eventually transitioned into a career in IT. Throughout the episode, Jason shares how the sense of camaraderie he experienced in the military deeply influenced his approach to leadership and community engagement. He also shares the key differences between managing general athletic booster clubs and sport-specific ones, how club needs shift between school levels, and why building long-term infrastructure is critical. Whether you're stepping into a volunteer role for the first time or leading a well-established board, this conversation is packed with strategies you can use right away. Key Takeaways 1:26 Jason’s start as a Watch D.O.G.S. dad. 2:51 Volunteering during COVID at Reynolds. 4:18 Booster clubs as a bridge for communication. 5:59 Challenges with scattered platforms. 8:22 Creating structure for parent engagement. 9:58 Switching to BoosterHub for consistency. 11:31 Building infrastructure that lasts. 13:47 Sport-specific support vs. general athletics 15:54 Fundraising: call-a-thons vs. sponsorships. 17:28 Differences between middle and high school clubs. 19:45 Jason’s advice to future volunteers. 25:13 Transition to Civilian Life: From Army to IT 27:27 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection 29:59 Gratitude and Acknowledgements Resources: Jason Stover LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstover Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stovieus

Tired of asking your community for another donation? What if your Booster Club could raise money every time someone shops online—without spending anything extra? This week, Robin Eissler welcomes Eric Peck, founder of FanFundU, a platform that turns everyday shopping into a sustainable fundraising tool for Booster Clubs. With 15 years of experience in loyalty programs and affiliate marketing, Eric shares how he built a system that allows schools to earn real dollars by simply guiding families to start their online purchases through FanFundU. Eric explains how the model works, the kind of retailers involved (Nike, Expedia, Macy’s, and 500+ more), and how Booster Clubs can use it to reduce volunteer burnout and replace constant one-off fundraisers. You’ll also hear why this “set it and forget it” tool is perfect for reaching not just parents, but the broader community. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 2:35 How FanFundU works 3:28 Challenges and Benefits of Traditional Fundraising 4:01 Why traditional fundraising burns people out 5:46 Fan Fund U's Impact and Future Plans 7:01 Average earnings per shopper 8:06 How Booster Clubs get started 10:22 Club visibility and reporting 13:06 Big-name retailers on the platform 14:11 Building Community Relationships through Fundraising Ready to Try It?Sign your club up today for free at www.fanfundu.com and start earning while your supporters shop. Resources: Eric Peck | www.fanfundu.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efpeck/ Twitter: https://x.com/fanfundu @FanFundU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567622018638# Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fanfundu/ @FanFundU

What happens when a high school band program says yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—with just weeks to prepare? You get a story of passion, partnership, and pushing past expectations. In this week’s Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosts Robin and Evan Eissler welcome James Rees, Director of Bands at Grapevine High School, and Diane Pintar, Vice President of the Grapevine Band Boosters. Together, they share the incredible behind-the-scenes story of how preparation, community, and a little serendipity landed their high school band the chance to perform for none other than Post Malone, a Grapevine alum, at AT&T Stadium. Together, they share how vision, collaboration, and sheer determination helped turn a last-minute request into an unforgettable, student-centered success story. They talk about the power of aiming high, manifesting more, and knowing when to say yes—and when not yet is the wiser move. Key Highlights: (03:57) The phone call that changed everything (07:24) A whirlwind two-week timeline to showtime (11:18) The logistics, community support, and behind-the-scenes hustle (19:47) Why “do it” is the best advice for programs facing big opportunities (20:59) When your vision outgrows expectations—and why that’s a good thing (22:06) Balancing epic experiences with everyday responsibilities (23:11) The art of leading from a place of “yes”—while managing real-world limits (24:02) Final reflections and a challenge to dream even bigger Whether you’re an educator, parent, or volunteer leader, this episode will leave you motivated to dream bigger and act boldly for your students.

Is Your Booster Club Ready for What's Coming? In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer Podcast, hosts Robin Eissler and Evan Eissler discuss the evolving role of booster clubs amid upcoming federal and state educational regulations. They highlight the increasing importance of booster clubs to bridge funding gaps caused by potential budget cuts in schools. The conversation covers the history of booster clubs, strategies to maintain fundraising during economic downturns, and tips to ensure legal compliance and efficient budgeting. They also suggest collaborative efforts among different booster clubs and emphasize the necessity of a strategic fundraising plan. Key Takeaways: 00:44 – New federal and state regulations may significantly impact schools — and Booster Clubs are on the front lines. 01:48 – Why Booster Clubs were created, and how their roles have grown as public funding shrinks. 02:20 – The growing disparity between high- and low-income areas in Booster Club support. 03:04 – What programs are likely to face the first cuts — and why enrichment activities may suffer most. 04:05 – Booster Clubs during economic downturns: why giving often increases when it’s needed most. 05:04 – How one Booster Club thrived during COVID by rethinking sponsor engagement and fundraising creativity. 06:33 – Challenges for low-income areas: weaker Booster Clubs, fewer resources, and greater need. 07:08 – Why clear communication with school districts and program leaders is more critical than ever. 07:36 – Legal watch-outs: Can your Booster Club legally fund staff salaries? Is your 501(c)(3) in good standing? 09:01 – Avoid donor fatigue: The importance of prioritizing impactful, high-return fundraisers. Stay ahead of the curve! Share this episode with your board, review your legal structure, and plan your fundraising strategy today to ensure your Booster Club is ready for the changes ahead. Robin Eissler Links: Website: https://www.boosterhub.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-eissler-31bb7a36

Running a successful Booster Club isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about avoiding costly mistakes! In this episode of Boosted Volunteer, hosts Evan and Robin Eisler dive into the Top 10 Booster Club Blunders that can hold your organization back. From failing to invest in the right tools to common fundraising missteps (like the T-shirt trap!), Evan and Robin share real-life examples and practical solutions that can help you streamline operations, maximize fundraising, and keep volunteers engaged. Learn why spending on admin costs can actually boost your bottom line, how to avoid inventory nightmares, and the secret to getting parents to actually show up when you ask for help. Key Takeaways: 1:50 Why Booster Clubs should invest in tools and admin costs 4:48 The real strategy behind making money on T-shirts 7:25 Why a single email won’t get volunteers to sign up 18:40 The importance of automation in managing fees, payments, and sponsorships 18:59 Why complex membership and sponsorship structures can hurt your club 19:43 The danger of mandating volunteer hours and its impact on culture 21:01 The legal and financial risks of offsetting fees through volunteer hours 23:02 Why individual fundraising accounts can put your nonprofit status at risk Robin Eissler Links: Website: https://www.boosterhub.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-eissler-31bb7a36

Did you know that running a booster club board meeting is a lot like managing a business? Clear rules, defined roles, and structured discussions lead to real results. One key to success is Robert’s Rules of Order, a time-tested framework that helps meetings stay on track, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary chaos. In this episode of The Boosted Volunteer, host Robin Eissler sits down with Jim Buchanan—adjunct professor at UMHB, founder of Brighter Honor Consulting, and former AT&T director—to share expert strategies for running efficient, organized, and results-driven board meetings. Jim emphasizes the importance of preparation for effective meetings, where decisions are made rather than learning new information. He advocates for forming committees to streamline discussions and prevent endless debates. Jim also stresses the need to train new board members on Robert’s Rules of Order using bylaws, policy manuals, and online resources. A well-prepared board chair leads confidently, improving decision-making and operations. Jim and Robyn also reflect on their volunteer experiences, highlighting teamwork and patience. Jim’s background in theater and leadership with children's activities contributed to his booster club's success. Key Takeaways: 2:46 Importance of Robert’s Rules of Order: Jim explains Robert's Rules of Order 4:24 Structure and Organization in Nonprofit Meetings: Jim emphasizes the importance of having a structured meeting to prevent chaos and ensure productivity 7:29 Managing Unexpected Topics During a Meeting: Jim suggests using a "parking lot" to address out-of-agenda items later in the meeting, helping to maintain focus on the primary agenda. 8:34 Ideal Meeting Structure: Jim outlines the key components of a board meeting, including preparation, organizing logistics, staying on time, and maintaining accurate meeting minutes. 10:06 What Should and Should Not Be on the Agenda: Jim explains what items belong on a typical agenda, stressing the importance of staying focused on the key topics relevant to the meeting. 12:00 Common Mistakes in Parliamentary Procedure: Jim highlights a common mistake in meetings 21:31 Robert’s Rules of Order: Training new board members with bylaws and Robert’s Rules of Order is essential Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-buchanan-cam-c-p-m-58a65123/