Thacher Comes Together: Over $1,000 Raised for Youth Sports in Ojai!
What began with a $600 goal became a community effort that exceeded our expectations. Way To Play’s fundraiser at The Thacher School raised over $1,000 to purchase soccer goals and balls for Mira Monte and Topa Topa Elementary Schools—surpassing our original target by more than $400!
Behind that result was a lot of planning and support. Way To Play founder Ryan Lee (’27), Henry Preloger (’27), and Lola Clemens (’27) organized the fundraiser, made schoolwide announcements, and worked with the school to bring the event to life. Ms. Hooper played an essential role by helping coordinate with Jim and Rob’s Grill in Ojai. Her support helped turn an idea into an opportunity for the Thacher community to contribute directly to sports access for local children.
The response made this fundraiser especially meaningful. More than 15 teachers and faculty members contributed their own money, alongside over 65 students. Seeing students and educators come together around the same goal was a reminder of how much a school community can accomplish when people choose to get involved. Each contribution helped move us toward our target—and then well beyond it.
The funds will go toward something simple but important: equipment that gives children more opportunities to play. Soccer goals and balls can support PE classes, recess games, and chances to practice with friends. For Way To Play, supporting youth sports means both running clinics and helping schools provide opportunities that continue after our volunteers leave the field. We want the encouragement young athletes experience at our events to be matched by access to equipment in their everyday lives.
Exceeding our fundraising goal means we can put more resources toward that work than we originally planned. Just as meaningful was the willingness of so many people at Thacher to invest in the future of youth sports in Ojai. This fundraiser connected students, faculty, and a local business through a shared commitment to giving more children a chance to participate.
Thank you to Ms. Hooper, Jim and Rob’s Grill, and every student, teacher, and faculty member who contributed. Your generosity will help turn this community effort into more opportunities on the field for local elementary school students.
Stay tuned for updates as we put these funds to work and bring new soccer equipment to Mira Monte and Topa Topa!
