Broken Arrow Track Team Tries New Fundraiser to Support Student Athletes
BROKEN ARROW, Ok. — Fundraising is a reality for many high school athletic programs, and the Broken Arrow High School track team recently took an innovative approach to help support its student-athletes.
The team hosted its first-ever mattress fundraiser at Broken Arrow High School, transforming part of the campus into a temporary mattress showroom for a one-day event. Community members had the opportunity to browse and purchase a variety of name-brand mattresses while helping generate financial support for the school’s track and field program. The event was organized in partnership with a company that specializes in fundraising programs for schools and athletic organizations.
At first glance, a mattress sale might seem like an unusual way to raise money for a high school sports team. However, these types of events have become increasingly popular across the country as schools look for alternatives to traditional fundraising methods such as candy sales, discount cards, or car washes. By offering products that many families already need, organizers hope to create a win-win situation where supporters receive a useful purchase while helping local students succeed.
For Broken Arrow’s track program, the fundraiser comes at a time when athletic costs continue to rise. Track and field programs require significant investments in equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, meet entry fees, training resources, and facility improvements. While school districts provide funding for athletics, booster organizations and fundraising efforts often play an important role in helping programs maintain a high level of competitiveness.
Broken Arrow has long been recognized as one of Oklahoma’s premier athletic programs. The district’s track and field teams have developed a reputation for excellence, regularly competing for conference and state championships. Success at that level requires more than talent alone. Athletes spend countless hours training, traveling to competitions, and representing their school and community.
The mattress fundraiser provided an opportunity for residents to directly support those efforts. Shoppers were able to browse more than 30 mattress styles from well-known manufacturers. Organizers advertised savings of up to 50 percent compared to traditional retail pricing, creating an incentive for local families who may already have been considering a mattress purchase.
Beyond the products themselves, the event served as a reminder of the strong connection between Broken Arrow schools and the broader community. Parents, grandparents, alumni, and local residents routinely step forward to support student activities ranging from athletics and band programs to academic organizations and clubs. These partnerships help provide opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to fund.
Community support has long been one of the strengths of Broken Arrow Public Schools. Whether attending football games, supporting performing arts programs, volunteering at events, or participating in fundraisers, residents consistently demonstrate a willingness to invest in local students. Events like the mattress fundraiser showcase how creative fundraising ideas can bring people together while benefiting young athletes.
For student-athletes, the impact extends beyond financial assistance. Fundraisers teach valuable lessons about teamwork, responsibility, and community engagement. Athletes often participate in promoting events, sharing information with supporters, and helping create awareness about their program’s needs. Those experiences can help prepare students for future leadership roles both on and off the field.
As schools across Oklahoma continue to explore new fundraising opportunities, Broken Arrow’s first mattress fundraiser may provide a model for future events. If community participation proves strong, organizers could potentially expand similar efforts in the years ahead.
While the mattresses will eventually find their way into homes throughout the region, the lasting impact may be felt on the track, where student-athletes continue striving for excellence while representing Broken Arrow with pride.
For local supporters, the fundraiser offered a simple opportunity to make a practical purchase while helping ensure that Broken Arrow’s track and field athletes have the resources they need to compete at the highest level.
