On a typical game day at Dougherty Valley High School, spotlights shine on athletes competing on the field or on the court. What many students don’t see, however, are the steps taken by an organization that works behind the scenes to make those moments possible.
The DVHS Athletic Booster Club plays a key role in supporting athletic programs across the campus. Through fundraising efforts and community donations, the organization helps cover costs that go beyond the school’s athletic budget. These expenses can encompass uniform, equipment, tournament, transportation and facility costs. Because public school funding often falls short, athletics programs depend heavily on outside support. According to booster volunteers, the school district primarily covers only the salary of the head coach, leaving teams responsible for funding many other essential costs.
“Whether it be uniforms, assistant coaches, field time, equipment, all of that has to be fundraised throughout the year,” Art Mimnaugh, a DVHS booster volunteer, said.
Each year, the booster club organizes a major fundraiser to help support these programs. Historically, the event was a crab feed, but this year, organizers introduced a new format, a fiesta-themed fundraiser designed to attract a broader audience. Planning for the event begins months in advance. According to Mimnaugh, preparations start as early as August, with a small group of volunteers coordinating logistics, securing venues and organizing donations. Despite these efforts, reaching fundraising goals is not always guaranteed.
“I would say every year the goals aren’t quite there,” Mimnaugh said. “As San Ramon becomes a declining enrollment district, there are fewer people to pull from for funds.”
When fundraising falls short, the consequences can ripple through all athletic programs at DV. Teams may need to delay equipment upgrades, limit travel opportunities or even reduce the number of teams they offer.
“If funds continue to dwindle, maybe you only have a JV and varsity team instead of freshman, JV and varsity,” Mimnaugh said. “The goal is to make sure every student still has an opportunity to participate.”
Parents who have seen the impact of athletics first hand say funding support is especially important for ensuring that all sports receive equal opportunities. Sneha Kishorenath, whose children participate in cross country, track and basketball at DVHS, said her own experience as a student-athlete made her aware of how tight athletic budgets can be.
“I know that funding was always tight,” Kishorenath said. “So I know what it takes from the student side as well as from the school side.”
She also emphasized the importance of ensuring that less visible programs receive adequate support.
“Girls sports tend to get underfunded a lot,” Kishorenath said. “And certain not-so-popular sports also get underfunded. Making sure that all sports get supported well is important to me.”
For coaches, the importance of fundraising is clear. Football Head Coach Gwangee Pittman explained that the financial demands of running a program can be significant.
“Equipment, uniforms, we need all of that, and it can get quite expensive,” Pittman said. “Getting back and forth to road games, things we do over the summer, it’s all important. Fundraising is huge for our program.”
Beyond equipment and travel costs, supporters say athletics play a critical role in students’ overall high school experience.
“Athletics are just as important as academics,” Christopher Faulkner, one of the attendees of the fundraiser, said. “They build discipline, character and prepare students for challenges in the real world.”
Parents also see sports as an important outlet for students outside the classroom. Carol Liao, whose son plays mens varsity volleyball, believes athletics provide both physical and emotional benefits.
“It gives students confidence,” Liao said. “They have a space outside the classroom to thrive.”
For many families, fundraisers also strengthen connections within the community.
“I work throughout the week and don’t have a chance to mingle with other parents,” Liao said. “This is a good time for us to connect.”
Ultimately, organizers say community involvement is essential to sustaining athletics at DVHS. Donations, volunteering and simply showing up to games all contribute to building stronger programs.
“People sometimes assume that because it’s a public school, everything is funded,” Mimnaugh said. “But fundraising is critical to making sure these programs continue to exist.”
As DVHS approaches its 20th year, booster leaders hope to continue growing community pride and support for student athletes.
“Our goal is to lean in as a community,” Mimnaugh said. “Whether that’s volunteering, donating, or just cheering on the kids, it all helps elevate the athletic programs here at Dougherty.”
