Bulldogs fans dressed in their very best Bulldog swag swarmed the Knights of Columbus Friday night, lured by the promise of ribeyes and smoked pork chops.

The Bulldogs Booster Club covered its bases, topping off its scholarship fund with its largest fundraiser of the year – the annual dinner and auction.

Last year, the Bulldogs Booster Club was able to distribute $22,000 in scholarships to athletes.

“If they are an athlete, regardless of what sport they play, we try to honor them with scholarships,” said Michelle Stephens, this year’s booster club president.

All of the money earned from the annual dinner and auction goes directly into the scholarship fund, which is why this night is so important.

Stephens is in her second year as a booster club member and it is her first year serving as president.

“I joined the booster club last year because I had a junior and we were at all the sporting events,” said Stephens. “I thought it was a great way to support my community and our athletic families.”

The goal of the Bulldogs Booster Club is to support the athletic department of Mexico Public Schools so, in addition to scholarships, the booster club fulfills requests for new equipment made by the coaches that may not be in the school’s budget.

“We try to honor as much as we can because we understand things wear down,” said Stephens.

While new uniforms and equipment are some of the most popular items requested, booster club funds aren’t limited to the sports. They can also be put toward upgrades to sporting facilities, including music equipment such as speakers.

The annual dinner and auction includes both a silent and a live auction featuring items donated by local businesses, the sports teams and community members.

“None of this would be possible without the support of our community,” said Stephens. “We ask for donations and they come in. Every year they surprise us.”

Perhaps one reason the Bulldogs Booster Club sees such a great turn out year after year is the food – especially with the Knights of Columbus in the kitchen.

“They make the food for us every year and they do a phenomenal job,” said Stephens. “In fact, some people come just for the food because it's so good.”

The Bulldogs Booster Club has 21 members this year working hard to make sure the concession stands are manned and the money is being allocated properly.

“We run the concessions at baseball, softball and football and the money we make off those also goes to the scholarship fund,” said Stephens.

Within the next two weeks, as the 2024-2025 school year winds down, the booster club will hold its annual scholarship meeting and get the money disbursed.

As for next year, the Bulldogs Booster Club has set its sights on the upcoming construction at the schools.

“We have kind of kicked around some ideas for what might be a great thing for the booster to make a big donation for,” said Stephens.

Plans for next year may still be up in the air, but one thing is certain – the community really shows up for its kids.