Contact Dennis Hopkins in the athletic office to become a Team Behind the Team member. He can be contacted at 734-362-2458 or hopkind@gischools.org.
The Team Behind the Team: A Four-Part Initiative
The “Team Behind the Team” initiative is a comprehensive four-part program designed to honor the unsung heroes who support our athletes and to enhance the resources available to our athletic programs. This initiative recognizes the dedication of staff, volunteers, sponsors, and donors, while creating a sustainable financial foundation for athletic excellence.
Potential benefits of the 4 phases of the Team Behind the Team program include:
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- Covering tournament fees for athletes’ families
- Reducing the fundraising burdens placed on teams
- Funding the purchase of high-quality athletic equipment
- Supporting facility updates, upgrades, and maintenance
Through the “Team Behind the Team” initiative, we aim to foster a sense of community, appreciation, and financial sustainability, ensuring that Grosse Ile’s athletic programs continue to thrive for years to come.
1. Staff Recognition
The first aspect of this initiative focuses on recognizing the invaluable contributions of our school staff. Through the athletic department, we express our appreciation with a token of gratitude, typically in the form of spirit wear. A T-shirt emblazoned with “Team Behind the Team” serves as a visible symbol of our recognition, showing staff members that their ongoing support of our student-athletes is both seen and deeply appreciated. The athletes then generate forms of gratitude activities over the course of each season to express their thankfulness for the work that the behind the scenes workers do to support our athletes.
2. Volunteer Program
The second focus of the “Team Behind the Team” initiative is to emphasize the importance of volunteerism. Each sports program will offer designated volunteer opportunities that improve the student-athlete and fan experience. The involvement of volunteers helps reduce the need for paid labor, offering two key benefits:
- Funds raised through volunteer efforts can be reinvested in resources that directly enhance the development of athletes and coaches.
- Volunteers help to reduce operational costs, ensuring that initiatives like free Grosse Ile student admission to games and the elimination of tournament fees for families continue. These programs are only sustainable if the lost revenue from these initiatives can be covered through volunteerism and other means.
3. Tournament Supplament Program
The third phase of the “Team Behind the Team” program introduces the tournament supplement initiative. This program involves hosting tournaments within sports that allow for tournaments during regular-season competition. Funds raised through these tournaments will cover the costs of hosting the event, enabling students to participate in additional tournament games
4. Sponsorship & Donor Program
The fourth focus is a targeted sponsorship and donor program aimed at significantly offsetting the costs associated with athletics. This program engages major donors, including corporate partners and businesses, as well as families and individuals who wish to contribute at varying levels. This is a school program to benefit the overall programs of Grosse Ile Schools. Donations into the Team Behind the Team program are not sport specific and the benefits of the program are not given to sport specific donations.
Through the “Team Behind the Team” initiative, we create a culture of appreciation while building the financial framework necessary for continued athletic excellence.
Impact of Donor Contributions:
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- 100% Impact – Every dollar directly benefits our student-athletes and their athletic experiences.
- Exceptional Experience – Your investment ensures our athletes thrive both on and off the field.
- Proud Tradition – Athletics serves as the “front porch” to our school, grounded in a legacy of excellence fostered by our alumni and community.
- World-Class Facilities – Donor-funded improvements can enhance our facilities and creating memorable player and fan experiences.
- Lasting Influence – Your support equips graduates for success to lead meaningful lives long after their playing days are over.
How the Sponsorship Program Works:
The “Team Behind the Team” program utilizes a tiered benefits structure, allowing donors to select their preferred level of support. As the value of a donation increases, so does the scope and impact of the benefits provided.
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- Tax Deductibility: Contributions to the “Team Behind the Team” program may be tax-deductible, with the exception of any benefits received.
- Recognition: All donors, whether individuals, families, or organizations, will receive public acknowledgment for their support of Grosse Ile Athletics. Recognition will grow in visibility and prestige at higher donation levels.
- Tier Structure: A proposed tiered benefits chart (Appendix) will outline donor levels and associated perks. These benefits are still being finalized, based on the resources Grosse Ile Athletics can offer. Our upcoming social media and website updates will help finalize these offerings.
- Fundraising Impact: While this initiative focuses on broader funding needs, it is not intended to replace team-specific fundraising efforts. Instead, it will allow teams to focus on supplementary, targeted goals, reducing the overall financial burden on athletes and their families.
As a member of the “team Behind the Team” your donation or sponsorship value awards you benefits for you and/or your organization. The chart below shows the benefits available to you at your contribution level.
* (A) 1 Individual Season Pass; (B) 2 Individual Season Passes; (C) 1 Individual All-Sports Pass; (D) 1 Family All-Sports Pass. Family Pass includes the member and his/her spouse and dependent children (college-age and younger). For season pass, choose between fall, winter, or spring.
Donations that Exceed the Iron Devil Status:
When a sponsor’s donations exceed $10,000, they will receive all benefits of the Iron Devil level. Discussions will then take place between the athletic director, school administration and sponsor to determine Elite Package Items. Initial discussions will lead to Board of Education discussions on benefits received.
Facility Naming Rights
The athletic department, school administration, and Board of Education can enter discussions for the naming rights of a facility. Naming rights will require Board of Education approval. Sponsorships that exceed the Iron Devil Sponsorship package can be considered for naming rights.Naming rights sponsors would receive Iron Devil benefits with substitutions for signage to represent the naming component.Â
Possible facilities that can be named include – Football Stadium, Main Gymnasium, Baseball Field, Softball Field, Tennis Courts, Middle School Field/Complex. Â
Sponsor & Donor Chart
Funding Ideas
List of potential funding projects. This list can be added to as this is not an all inclusive list.
- Training Room Upgrade
- Middle School Uniforms and Equipment
- Athletic Department Golf Cart
- Weight Room Upgrades
- Baseball/Softball Out Buildings
- Baseball/Softball Outfield Wind Screens
- Tennis Court Resurfacing
- Tennis Court Upgrades
