The American Legion in Whitehall was filled with Viking spirit on January 31 as the Vikings First Athletic Boosters hosted their third annual Super Fan Tailgate Raffle Event — and by all measures, the night was a big win for Whitehall student-athletes.
From the moment doors opened, the energy was unmistakable. Around 200 attendees, decked out in their favorite team gear, came together for an evening of trivia, raffles, auctions, and community connection — all in support of removing financial barriers for athletes and students.
“This year’s Super Fan Tailgate was a huge success,” said Stacy Shepherd, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator. “The energy of the night was contagious, and it was really encouraging to see so many families, alumni, local supporters, and businesses come out to support all kids.”
A Night Packed with Fun — and Purpose
The event featured something for everyone, including:
- A major raffle drawing, with one lucky winner taking home 10% of ticket sales
- $14,000 in additional prizes raffled off
- A silent auction
- Three rounds of trivia
- A cornhole toss, using boards built by Whitehall construction trades students
- A brand-new live Dessert Dash auction, showcasing 27 local bakers
- Catering by Gnarly Heifer, keeping guests fueled for the fun
One of the standout additions this year was the Dessert Dash, a live auction that added a fresh and interactive element to the evening.
Photos courtesy of Viking First Athletic Boosters
“We were especially proud of the increased community involvement and volunteer support,” Shepherd said. “The Dessert Dash went over really well, and it was so fun to honor the talent of our local bakers who were eager to support in this way.”
Community Support Makes It Possible
The success of the Super Fan Tailgate was made possible in large part thanks to the generosity of local sponsors who believe in investing in Whitehall students. Harbor Light Credit Union and Shepherd & Shepherd served as Premier Sponsors, while CatchMark, Winberg, and Shelby State Bank supported the event as Vikings Sponsors.
Their support helped ensure the evening delivered not only a fun experience, but also meaningful and lasting impact for student-athletes across the district.
$35,000 Raised — and Every Dollar Makes a Difference
By the end of the night, the event raised approximately $35,000, with 100% of the funds going directly toward supporting Whitehall student-athletes.
Since its inception just three years ago, Vikings First Athletic Boosters has raised more than $150,000, making a measurable impact across the district.
In 2025 alone, Vikings First:
- Covered all middle school pay-to-play fees
- Covered half of all high school athletic camp fees
- Made it possible for all Whitehall students to attend athletic events for free
“We know one of the keys to student success is involvement and engagement in extracurriculars,” Shepherd said. “For some families, the cost of sports can be a real obstacle. Vikings First helps bridge that gap so students don’t have to choose between participation and affordability.”
Photos courtesy of Viking First Athletic Boosters
More Than Fundraising — Building Belonging
While the dollars raised are critical, Shepherd emphasized that events like the Super Fan Tailgate serve a bigger purpose.
“These events do more than just raise funds — they help build community connections,” she said. “We don’t want just students to feel like they belong. We want parents, grandparents, extended family, and local businesses to feel like they’re part of our Viking family.”
That sense of belonging can have ripple effects far beyond the playing field.
“We’ve seen students who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to try a sport get involved, and we know that leads to bigger outcomes — academically, socially, and emotionally,” Shepherd said.
Looking Ahead
The Super Fan Tailgate is just the first step toward Vikings First’s 2026 goals, which include continuing last year’s successes and working toward the ambitious goal of eventually covering all high school pay-to-play fees.
The community will have more chances to get involved soon:
- Summer Youth Camp Sign-Up Night
May 3, 1–3 p.m. at the VAC — families can explore summer athletic opportunities and meet camp vendors. - Vikings First Golf Outing
August 1 at Lincoln Golf Course, with both morning and afternoon flights available.
Registration is open through the Viking Store:
https://vikingstore.shopsettings.com/VIKINGS-FIRST-GOLF-OUTING-2026-p742806905
“Vikings First is here for the long haul,” Shepherd said. “When the community supports Vikings First, they’re investing directly in kids — helping them grow, compete, and learn lifelong lessons. We’re incredibly grateful and excited for the future.”
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