As an all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, our mission is to invest in Donegal athletics in order to support our school district as a whole, enhance the overall student experience and contribute to the quality of life and closeness of our community," said James "Buzz" Albert, founder and board member of Donegal Athletic Club (DAC).

As Albert explained, the organization provides financial support for athletics, which allows the district to continue to enhance academics, the arts and other areas. DAC also creates community-wide opportunities for recreation, fitness and sports, contributing to the livability and appeal of the community, he said.

This year, DAC celebrates its 15th anniversary. "The idea for DAC grew from my realization of the importance that athletics play in shaping our student-athletes to be the best they can be - to contribute to a productive society as good community members, good employees and great leaders," Albert shared.

As a volunteer coach with Donegal football, he realized that public school budgets were stretched thin, and extracurricular activities such as sports were an easy target for funding cuts.

"There were things our athletic programs desired, but I was seeing some of those things not being done due to budgets and perhaps rightfully so," he recalled. "That sparked the thought that others would join me in giving back to something that they received so much from during their time as a Donegal athlete. ... The response from the very start has been overwhelming."

From an initial meeting of about a dozen alumni, friends, coaches and administrators, DAC has grown swiftly, he said.

"We have leaders from many eras of Donegal athletics, and we are very much represented by almost every decade and area of Donegal's past," he stated. "We have coaches, administrators, athletes, friends and family leading our efforts."

Membership in DAC is open to anyone, whether they have participated in athletics at Donegal, are parents of Donegal athletes past and present, are educators or are just interested parties.

"We have received funds from the Pacific coast in California, the southernmost tip of Texas and almost every region in between as the message spreads," Albert said. "The challenge is to find every single former athlete from Donegal and see if they feel led as we are to give back and help us continue the tradition. It sounds daunting and it is, but that is the goal."

As DAC president Abby Hoover explained, DAC supports student-athletes in a variety of ways by partnering with Donegal School District.

"Through this collaboration, DAC helps to offset the costs of essential equipment, as well as upgrades to fields, stadiums and courts," she said. "This support not only alleviates financial burdens, but also creates a more enriching and professional environment for student-athletes to thrive, fostering both their athletic and academic success."

To support its mission, DAC hosts fundraisers throughout the year, including a membership drive and a fall golf tournament.

"New this year, we will be partnering with Voyage Mount Joy for the first-ever brew festival on April 26," she said. "We are excited to have been chosen as a recipient of the proceeds for this event!"

Since its inception, DAC has raised and donated more than $1 million to athletic programs in the district, and although the club's focus is sports, its mission benefits everyone, Albert said.

"In a small way, every dollar we raise and contribute to athletics trickles down to every area of the student experience at Donegal, whether it's in academics, athletics, the arts and any other extracurricular activity," he remarked. "Athletics is simply what formed us and drives us moving forward."

Hoover noted that people can support DAC in a variety of ways, including donating funds, volunteering at an event or participating in events that benefit the club.

"I would encourage anyone in question of supporting DAC to attend one of the sporting events on Donegal School District facilities," she said. "The student-athletes' hard work, dedication and grit will most certainly encourage you to give so you can help take them to the next level."

Albert suggests supporters reflect on the impact of Donegal athletics on their lives.

"If you feel like you or perhaps your kids are better citizens, employees, family leaders, whatever it may be and participation in scholastic athletics - in particular, Donegal - has helped shape that, then we think you might agree and join us in giving back to help sustain the opportunities and success to make participation in athletics available and enjoyable to today's student-athletes and future student-athletes," he said. "I created DAC because I am proud of who we are: the Donegal Indians. We have countless success stories at a high level, but we all play a part in that. I wanted to give everyone a chance to realize that and the opportunity to give back if they feel led."

For more information on DAC, visit https://donegalathleticclub.org.