In these days of uncertain state aid to schools and ever tightening budgets, many communities have parent and support groups that have stepped in to help fill the gap. One of those groups is the Callaway Booster Club.

The Booster Club was formed a little over 20 years ago, and in 2018 the board was revitalized. “The former board members had all been on for anywhere from six to 10 years each and most of them were no longer going to have kids within the school system, so people stepped up and a whole new board was created,” explained current president Rhonda Pandorf.

Though a board of five oversees the business of the Booster Club, the organization is also represented by parents, grandparents, alumni, community members, business and school personnel. The club’s primary function is to support students in all aspects of activities and events. That effort requires funds, and the club’s biggest fundraising event of the year is coming up.

The annual Booster Club Burger Bash began in 2018, and has gotten bigger nearly every year. “This event is nearly 100 percent profitable for the Booster Club,” said Pandorf. “Nebraska State Bank pays the grocery store bill for us, Callaway Market bills at cost, and Curtis and Marla Stallbaumer and family donate all the beef. The last couple of Burger Bashes that has been 200 pounds, so that’s huge! That allows us to sell 600 burgers.”

This year’s event will be held on Jan. 20, and is different than in years past. “We’ve never done wrestling, but we managed to snag the South Loup Invite this year at the Callaway school. We hope to be serving burgers from at least 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day, or until we run out. There are close to 20 teams coming.”

The public is invited to come for the Burger Bash only if they chose, and they will not be charged an admission. This year’s meal deal includes a juicy ⅓-pound burger with chips and a drink for $5.

“It’s nice to spread out our support and have a presence with wrestling. We’ve purchased mats and scales but we’ve never had a Burger Bash at a wrestling meet,” Pandorf added.

The Booster Club also hosts a membership drive every year. There are currently 37 members in the club, at various levels of membership.

The club works closely with school administrators to help determine needs within the district that they can help with. “We have helped every organization within the school,” said Pandorf.

The Booster Club helps pay for field trips for students, youth sports activities, One Act, snacks for students for district events, food for Homecoming and many, many other things. Serving with Pandorf on the board are Linsey Johnson-vice president; Roni Boeser-secretary; Erin Reiff-treasurer; and Jenn Hickenbottom-school representative (liaison).