Every child deserves a chance to play in sports and activities that empower them, create social connections, and contribute to physical development and mental well-being. One of the biggest barriers keeping children from youth sports is the cost. Income-restricted households struggle to pay registration fees for youth programs. Teachers in our district see this problem often and it is a sad reality all over the country.
Kelly Haun shared that she was brought to tears talking about the students who are not able to participate because of the cost. “It just breaks my heart. We want to level the playing field,” she commented. That is when the idea of Future Wolverines Foundation came into being. Herb and Kelly Haun wanted to create a foundation that would help fund recreation activities for local kids. The Weiser Recreation Department has a variety of sports throughout the year available and this foundation will help low-income families register their kids without having to worry about the cost. They will also offer funding for programs like STEM through the extension office.
“Teachers in the district are the key,” Kelly Haun said. She recently visited with the school district about their new foundation and how they can help. Teachers will be able to give out vouchers to students they feel could benefit from participating in activities but may not have the money to do so. The Future Wolverine Foundation would also be able to fund Camps and required sports equipment, if needed.
Haun has submitted the paperwork to apply as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, but this will take months to hear back on the status. It is their hope that they can become approved. For now, they are a public nonprofit accepting donations to go toward their efforts. Until the 501c3 can be attained, donations are not tax deductible. However, if they can get the 501c3 status this year, all donations made this year will become tax deductible.
The foundation board of directors are: Hunter Mizar, Lyndon Haines, Colton Mills, Jordan Edwards, and Herb Haun. Others affiliated with the foundation through the Weiser School District are Chy Cardenas, Nicole Mink, and Melissa Reed, as well as Ken Anderson, the Weiser Recreation Director for the Rec Department.
To make a donation to the Future Wolverines Foundation, please contact Kelly Haun at haun208@msn.com or mail your donation to 2240 Valley View Dr., Weiser, ID 83672. Small donations from the public are very helpful in getting the foundation off the ground. This is a great opportunity to invest in the lives of our local youth by contributing to the fund.
