CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The Del Campo High School Booster Club hosted its 37th Annual Crab Feed on Feb. 8, bringing together families, alumni and local businesses to support the school’s athletic programs. The event, which ran from 5 to 10 p.m., was the biggest of the year, featuring music, a selection of raffles, silent auctions, a dessert auction, and a grazing table stocked with food and drinks.

“We are working hard at getting the large gym updated with all of the championship pendants displayed,” said a Del Campo Booster Club staff member. “We continue to fundraise to be able to give back to all of the programs at Del Campo. We are working especially hard this year because of the break-in we experienced over winter break. It caused a loss of $2,800 in Cougar wear.”

The event, organized by the Del Campo Athletic Booster Club and the Crab Feed Committee, aimed to raise funds for athletic programs, equipment and facility improvements. The Booster Club, which supports not only sports but also band, cheer, dance, AVID and PFO, works to provide resources that help students thrive.

“Our mission is to assist the Del Campo High School athletic community by providing financial, advisory, and volunteer resources to assist in the improvement of athletic programs, equipment, and facilities,” said the Del Campo Booster Club staff member. “We market and promote Del Campo High School athletic programs in which the lifelong values of sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, honesty, and commitment are emphasized. We support school spirit and participation, which enriches the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of students.”

Del Campo student athletes were heavily involved in the evening’s activities, from serving guests to sharing their personal connections to the event. CB, a junior on the water polo team, reflected on her love for the sport.

“I really like water polo. I don’t really like running that much, so the pool is my happy place,” CB said. “I started water polo my first year of high school and have stuck with it ever since. From this event, I would love to see things that would help the team.

Joel Nelson, a coach for varsity football and freshman baseball, also attended the event, expressing his appreciation for the sense of community it fostered.

“I like this event because it brings the community together,” Nelson said. “It gives a chance for all the coaches to be around parents and for them to see we are just people too. Every athletic program is pretty much self-funded, so the boosters funnel the money back for jerseys and equipment for every sport, and that’s nice because it’s divided up for all programs.”

The support from the Del Campo community was also evident to Spencer Cady, a senior on the baseball team.

“I really appreciate playing for Del Campo because we have a very strong culture and I’m really happy to be playing this year,” Cady said. “I just love the sport. It’s great to see how much community members support our team and all these people that are willing to spend their money on us.”

Football coach Matt Costa added that the involvement of students in the event was crucial.

“I think it’s important that the kids are involved in this event,” Costa said. “It allows them to go out and serve the people that are helping them. Public schools today don’t fund athletic departments like they used to, so being able to have a fundraiser that brings money into the program is important. The kids understand the importance of it too.”