Organization Formed to Offset Costs of Parenting Athletes

Parents of a high school soccer team have come together to try to offset costs of having a child who is an athlete.

The parents of the Lady Soccer Team are hosting two fundraisers this weekend: a used clothing drive and an Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser.

“Having a girl on the soccer team can be very expensive,” explained Cheryl Roche, soccer mom and member of the Lady Colonial Parent Organization.

Parents of the girls soccer team formed their own parent group to help organize events and fundraisers like these to offset some of the costs endured by parents of athletes.

Roche explained the money raised by the group can cover expenses like training, their banquet at the end of the year, goalie training, Rutgers camp, or items like jackets for championships or titles.

Roche also said has influenced the formation and efforts of the parent organization. “My opinion as a parent is if we do go to pay-to-play this is something that could fund that. This is a way to anticipate that change that could be coming.”

Below are two of the events happening this weekend:

Lady Colonial Clothing Drive

While you are doing you spring cleaning, air out your closed and donate all your unwanted clothing to the Lady Colonial Soccer Clothing drive on Saturday, April 14.

They are collecting clothing, shoes, accessories, household items and toys (see flyer above/right for details). Soft items should be put in garbage bads and any hard items should be donated in cardboard boxes.

All of the donated items will go to an organization called Fashion Republic. “They purchase the clothes for us and buy them at a certain price per pound,” explained Cobb. “They take the clothes and distribute them to various countries around the world and communities in need. The clothes are sold at thrift stores at very low prices so people can afford them.”

Clothing drop-off is at 217 Betsy Ross Dr. from 9-11:30 a.m.

“If someone can’t get here on Saturday morning, we can arrange for someone to come to their house to pick-up donated clothes or other items,” said Cobb.

To arrange a pick-up time, or for any other questions, contact Scott Cobb at 732-308-4266.

Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfast

After cleaning out your closets, you are bound to be hungry. Good news! Tickets are still available for the Flapjack Fundraiser on Sunday, April 15 from 8-10 a.m.

“What most people don’t realize is that while it’s a donation, the best part is you are getting a full breakfast for $10,” explained Cheryl Roche, chair of the flapjack fundraiser. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage & beverage.

Roche said that this event is a great community collaboration with Applebee’s who donates 70 percent of the money raised through selling tickets to the event.

“We make most of the ticket money, but the girls have to work for it,” she explained. “The girls are going to be greeting the customers, seating everyone, serving the breakfast, and getting drinks. Applebee’s provides the food and plates it, but and we have to do all the rest!”

For tickets to this breakfast, contact Cheryl Roche at 732-409-0717 or kvroche@aol.com.