The Team Behind All Teams
Giving Back | written by: DARIEN MAGAZINECT.com with BWBC Board Member ALI VONKENNEL and BWBC President DOUG WILSON
Editor’s Note: It’s one of life’s riddles: The more effortless something appears, the greater the effort behind it. We can be nearly certain of it. There’s so much more than meets the eye, in all things, but especially in the extracurriculars at Darien High School (DHS) thanks to the efforts of the non-profit Blue Wave Booster Club (BWBC), source of many of the extras in these extracurriculars that do so much to lift the student experience …and the students themselves. Established in 2006 by parents who knew that in the lifting, we give our youth more chances to build the kind of self-belief and community that can shore them up throughout life, the BWBC continues today, led by parents who understand as well that sometimes it’s the small things that put these big wheels in motion. We sat down with the BWBC to learn more about what they do. Here’s what we found out.
What is the mission of the Blue Wave Booster Club?
The BWBC was formed to fund items for sports teams that may not be essential but still significantly improve the student experience—things outside the school’s standard budget that nonetheless enrich the lives of students, promote a stronger sense of community, and foster sportsmanship and school spirit among students, parents, teachers and staff.
Recognizing the importance of supporting a well-rounded school environment, the BWBC recently expanded its focus beyond athletics to include initiatives such as mental health wellness talks for the student community and additional resources for the DHS band. By diversifying its contributions, the BWBC ensures that all students at DHS have added opportunities to thrive, regardless of their interests.
Where does the money come from and how much do you give away each year?
Primarily from memberships and donations. Bi-annually we also run a Harlem Wizards basketball event. This is a great community event and usually sells out. We are also entering our first year with significant sponsorship advertising partnerships.
We aim to spend all of what we raise each year on our students. To date, the BWBC has raised more than $750,000.
Can you tell us more about BWBC sponsorship opportunities?
The BWBC has partnered with the school district to offer up to 66 banners around the stadium field. The revenue will be used to support the school’s athletic programs and close a budget gap. The Club has ensured that the banners will be aesthetically pleasing, coordinating with the school’s colors, and avoid any controversial or inappropriate content. As the banner program rolls out, the BWBC and the school district are open to feedback from the community. We are confident the program will be well-received if executed tastefully.
What are some of the things the BWBC has funded?
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Darien’s outdoor sports fields
• Team posters in local businesses to honor student-athletes, particularly seniors and team captains
• Wrestling mat for the DHS wrestling team
• Bass amplifier for the DHS band
• Pitching machine for the DHS baseball team
• Cold weather parkas for the the DHS girls’ soccer team
• Tents for the DHS boys’ and girls’ track teams
• Emergency vehicle communications technology for Post 53
• Electronic lane timers for the DHS swim teams
• Mental health wellness talks
How do you decide what to fund?
We receive requests for funding directly through our website at bluewavebc.org/gift-request-form and through the DHS Director of Athletics Chris Manfredonia who reviews all requests. If above $2,000, Chris will send the request to the Darien Board of Education to review and vote on as well. Our board of directors then thoroughly reviews submissions and votes for final approval. We evaluate each item carefully to ensure we are making equitable decisions across all groups. Requests for funding and funding decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year.
How many people are in the BWBC and who are they?
Led by a 14-member all-volunteer board, BWBC members are mainly families with high school-aged children but it is open to all. Our goal is to have 500 members by 2025.
How do you become a member?
Residents can sign up for the BWBC at bluewavebc.org The Club offers various membership levels, each with its own set of benefits. Membership must be renewed annually.
How does the BWBC differ from the Darien Athletic Foundation (DAF)?
The DAF focuses on large-scale capital improvement projects in collaboration with the Town and the Board of Education which benefit all youth and high school athletics (e.g. turf fields, stadium lights, cross country track, stadium pavilion, pickleball courts at Cherry Lawn Park). The BWBC also engages in projects that benefit all Darien teams, but on a smaller scale. Additionally, the BWBC focuses on spirit-related initiatives.
What does the BWBC add to Darien?
By promoting sportsmanship and school spirit among students, parents, teachers and staff, the BWBC helps to create a cohesive community where pride in the school and its programs is palpable.
What else do people in Darien need to know about the BWBC?
The biggest misconception about the BWBC is that we fund only football. We support all sports, the band, Post 53 and more. We are the team behind all teams. The BWBC is about Darien and our community. We enrich the lives of all ages in Darien. Whether through donations, memberships, or participation in initiatives such as the banner program, the BWBC encourages everyone in the Darien community to get involved. By working together, the BWBC and the community can continue to provide the resources and encouragement needed for DHS students to succeed both on and off the field.
For more information about the BWBC and its programs, or to become a member, visit bluewavebc.org.
