Cairo fans solicited to donate $1,000 to athletic program

This year Cairo High School football celebrates a milestone in its storied history. Cairo High School’s first season of football was played in 1922, so this year marks the centennial of Syrupmaker football.

As the 100th season of football approaches, the program is facing huge challenges due COVID 19. Because of public health precautions, no season tickets were sold last season, which is the financial backbone of the program. No parking permits were sold and attendance was limited at each game. Revenue generated by the football program is also used to support other sports programs at the high school. School officials now have the challenge of trying to find a way to provide the level of support for all high school sports that local students deserve.

In celebration of the program’s 100th year, the Syrupmaker Touchdown Club is partnering with the CHS football program to raise funds and recognize Syrupmaker supporters. The club has kicked off a campaign called “100 Donors for 100 Years!”

This is the biggest fund raising effort in the program’s history. The club and the football program are calling on 100 Syrupmaker supporters to donate $1,000 to the program.

In return, each donor can “claim” a football jersey number for that contribution, have their name placed on a bronze plaque at the stadium and receive a retired jersey with their chosen number and a commemorating 100 year patch suitable for framing to be displayed in homes, offices and businesses.

The money raised from this campaign will help free up other monies to help run all of the athletic programs at CHS. Hopefully, many of the COVID 19 restrictions can be lifted next season and season tickets sales and increased game attendance can take place to bring in needed funds as well.

Cairo High School has a great tradition and officials are hopeful this campaign can reach the goal of 100 donors quickly. Former players, graduating classes, fans and businesses are being called on to support the biggest fund raising effort in the 100 year history of the storied program. The Syrupmaker mascot has been recognized as the most unique mascot in the country by Sports Illustrated, ESPN and other media sources. This is a great opportunity for the many Syrupmaker fans across the country to step up and help the program.

You can secure your number and make your donation by emailing syrupmakertdclub@gmail.com or contact coach Steve DeVoursney at Cairo High School. You may also contact any member of the fundraising committee which includes William Jones, Johnny and April Hester, Linda Drew Johnson, Hansell Bearden, Byron Puckett, Bryan Gainous, Gus Mango, Leanne Vickers and Michael Best.

Checks should be made payable to the Syrupmaker Touchdown Club.