Local Youth Program Looking for Sponsor to Help Fund New Scoreboard

The Portland Tackle Football Association, better known as Portland Jr. Raiders, is in the process of replacing its outdated scoreboard.

Founded in 1982, the organization offers youth football and cheerleading programs to roughly 200 area fourth through eighth grade boys and girls each fall, and hosts home games eight Saturdays a year at Portland Middle School.

According to Gary Bond, Portland Public Schools Director of Operations, the current scoreboard at the field “was purchased in 1990. It was at the high school when it was built. It has been at the middle school since 2002.”

In recent years, the 28-year-old scoreboard has had some issues, and can be difficult to read on sunny days.

The Jr. Raider board of directors has received multiple bids for a new scoreboard and has selected the desired replacement. The total cost of equipment and delivery is $10,350.00.

A local electrician has graciously volunteered to install the new scoreboard at no cost, saving the program approximately $3,000.00.

At this time, the Jr. Raiders are beginning a search for a local sponsor or sponsors to help offset most if not all of the cost of the new scoreboard. In exchange for the sponsorship, the sponsor or sponsors would receive signage space on the new scoreboard. The signage would need to comply with Portland Public Schools signage polices and would be subject to board approval as it would be located on PPS property.

Jr. Raider Board President Pete Hoffmeyer said, “Our organization has received financial support from many generous local businesses over the years and we are hopeful that we will be successful in finding a sponsor to assist us in this purchase. While our organization’s finances are in very good order, this is the single largest purchase we have made in years.”

The organization hopes to have the new scoreboard installed and operating in time for its first home games of 2018 which are tentatively scheduled for August 25th.

While the disposition of the old board has not yet been confirmed, that will be up to PPS as they own that equipment.

Portland Tackle Football Association is a 501c3 non-profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible.

Any business or organization interested in sponsoring the new scoreboard is asked to contact Pete Hoffmeyer at petehoffmeyer@hotmail.com.

Disclosure: Portland Beacon Owner/Publisher Jim Townsend is a member of the PTFA Board of Directors.