ROCKINGHAM — Another successful outpouring of support from the Raider Nation community helped close an athletic fundraiser last week.
The Richmond Senior High School volleyball program ended its month-long Snap! Raise fundraiser, which collected $8,430 for the Lady Raiders’ varsity and junior varsity teams.
Using the crowdfunding site, the Richmond volleyball program had 135 individual donors give money to support the two teams during a season being impacted by COVID-19. A total of 30 players and coaches were involved in the fundraiser.
After the 20 percent that goes to Snap! Raise and the players’ prize gear, the Lady Raiders ended the successful campaign with $6,480.40 in their account.
“I cannot thank Raider Nation enough for stepping in and helping us in this time of need,” said head coach Ashleigh Larsen. “There are so many gaps we need to fill due to limiting our fans and this fundraiser will assist with that. We could not have done it without their support.”
Last month, the Richmond football program held a similar fundraiser and hauled in over $17K for itself and the general athletics fund with the help of fans.
The Lady Raiders are almost halfway through their shortened 14-game regular season and are in fifth place in the Sandhills Athletic Conference with a 3-3 record.
With spectators limited to just 25 paying fans per home match, the volleyball program is taking a big financial hit this season, as are all high schools across the state. One way to save on expenses, Richmond hires just an up and a down referee, and has volunteers serve as line judges.
Larsen said the bulk of the money raised will go toward covering this year’s travel and official expenses.
“Due to limitations, we need to ensure we can cover our part,” Larsen explained. “Once we know what will remain, we will move towards equipment needed.
“Volleyballs are always No. 1 on the list. Any remaining money will go towards gear for the girls for next season.”
The next programs to hold a Snap! Raise fundraiser will be the Richmond boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. The volleyball teams are back in action Tuesday at home against rival Scotland High School.
