Lyons-Burke Boosters

Lyons-Burke Boosters supports youth sports activities and other events for children living in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Our organization focuses its support on the activities within two neighborhood parks: Lyons Center and Burke Parke. The organization is operated by volunteers, comprised primarily of neighborhood residents and parents. Our activities run year-round, largely corresponding to the athletic programs run by the New Orleans Recreation Department (NORD). Given NORD's limited funding, and the economic hardship that many of the families in our neighborhood face, our organization fills the funding gap to provide uniforms and equipment that these children would not otherwise have the financial means to purchase. Our organization is currently funded primarily by private donations from neighborhood businesses and individuals. We have also raised a small amount of money through concession sales at our sporting events. We plan to seek grants to further fund our activities. Our goal is to ensure that the any children who wish to participate in sports activities in these two parks have fee-free access to do so. Approximately 90% of the organization's time is dedicated to providing these activities and the needs of the children participating in these activities. Approximately 5% of the organization's time is used for volunteer upkeep of the park facilities, such as baseball diamond rehabilitation and litter collection to ensure that the children have a safe and clean environment in which to play, and in outreach activities to notify children and parents of upcoming sports activities in the parks. Approximately 5% of the organization's time is focused on fundraising activities.

Testimonials

Youth coaches often find themselves in challenging positions. The commitment goes far and beyond running practices and coaching games. Not only is it a substantial commitment of time away from family and the foregone opportunity cost of second jobs/overtime; coaches often come out of pocket to provide uniforms, equipment, and to ensure kids are able to arrive at game sites. The Booster Club aims to assist coaches so that they can serve the kids. Alleviating some of the financial burden and time devoted to acquiring resources will promote volunteerism and an overall better experience for the community kids.