Tailgating for a Cause

Charity events in Barrington sometimes mean elegant cocktail dresses or fancy black ties, but not at the Bronco Bash.

“(The Bronco Bash) is a really great night in support of the team and the boys,” said Stacie McManus, the chairperson for the inaugural tailgating event with funds benefiting Bronco football.  “Plus we are really excited about a fundraiser where we don’t have to get dressed up, or wear heels.”

The Bronco Bash, which is being run by Barrington’s football booster program, the Quarterback Club, will be at Lake Barrington Field House starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 12 and will end around 11 p.m. 

Tickets need to be purchased by Aug. 5.

This event for Bronco fans over the age of 21 won’t be typical tailgating. It will be catered with gourmet food from Barrington’s own , have ambiance provided by a professional DJ, host silent and live auctions, and include a baggo tournament with all the proceeds from the night to benefit all levels of Barrington football. 

“We figured it was time for something fun and casual, with a football theme,” McManus said of the event sponsored by Barrington’s Quarterback Club.  “We have previously done a golf and comedy night and felt this would be perfect.”

If the great food, fun times and the fact that it was for Barrington and the football program weren’t enough to get you to the event, then hopefully the vast selection of auctioned items, featuring some unique Bronco gear will help.   

Just some of the items available for auction are: a vacation condo usage in Kauai, Hawaii; golf outings, gift certificates, gourmet cooking classes, a Bronco quilt, Bronco neon sign, premier parking at opening game, etc.

According to Club,said the proceeds will go to the continued support of the entire football program and each of the different levels (educational and team building events, game day uniforms, equipment, programming, etc.) which in turn benefits the school and the district.

“We know that money is tight at the school and this is a way to help,” Good said of the event.  “Last year there was a need for some camera equipment and this year we are helping to support ‘Military Appreciation Day’ with special uniforms.”

Military Appreciation day will be held on Sept. 2 and supports all of Barrington’s men and woman that have served in the different branches of the armed forces by being invited to the game.

“This idea originated from Bronco Head Coach Joe Sanchez and was away to show appreciation for the military,” Good said of the event scheduled for the home game before Sept. 11.  “This also gives the football players a broader sense of the commitment that it takes to be part of team.”

Good said the Quarterback Club has already helped fund a trip for the team to meet members of the military at the Great Lakes Naval Base located in North Chicago last week as just an example of some of the team building activities the club tries to provide.  

Tailgating usually means you support the team by firing up the grill and getting ready for the game, the Bronco Bash will have you fired up and ready for the upcoming season, with it legitimately supporting the team.    

The Quarterback Club website has more information about the Bronco Bash, items being auctioned and tells visitors how to support Bronco Football.