For this week’s #MemberMonday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Eide, President of #CollegeParkAthleticBoosterClub. The Athletic Booster Club is the largest club; financially, on campus and there are currently over 900 athlete students. The funds held in the club come from #fundraising and #donations. Their annual #crabfeed is the largest fundraiser of the year and it’s a super fun event that I have been attending for years. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st at the #PleasantHillCommunityCenter. It is always the Saturday before the #Superbowl. 

Since the passing of AB 1575 regarding pupil fees, it has been important to come together as a community to raise the funds needed to keep the athletic program running strong. The #district provides #coaches, fees and #referees, and the boosters take care of the rest. One of the most important components of a safe athletic program is having an #AthleticTrainer on board. Al Douex is the current trainer and is also a teacher at both #CPHS and #DVC. This helps keep the students safe from #injury. However, when an injury does occur, it is important to have the trainer available to assess the necessary steps to help minimize additional injury. When Ryan Joseph, (the wrestling student), was injured a year ago, it was the quick response of the athletic trainer at the match that helped save his life and prevent further injury. Jeff is happy to report that Ryan is doing well and continues to progress and he has the most amazing attitude which has definitely played a major role in his recovery. Their #goal, #plan and #hope is that Ryan will walk across the stage at graduation in 2020 with his class. 

Jeff has worked in many school settings and says that #CollegePark has the most amazing relationship and #collaboration between the #administration and the boosters. This alone allows them to put the #student’s needs first and support them in their athletic achievements. The #AthleticDirector, Jim Keck, works hard to keep these relationships strong and growing. 

Jeff has been the #boosterclub #President for the past five years. He has worked with Pleasant Hill schools for over 15 years. He was lucky to have been one of the owners of #ScottyRentals and was fortunate to be able to sell it to a very large rental company, which in turn, allowed him an early retirement 20 years ago. Since then, he has dedicated his life to #volunteering and #traveling. If he could go anywhere he would go to #Europe. Jeft has enjoyed watching the students, who he feels are like his own kids, grow up. He has made many lifelong #friendships and it brings him joy to witness the growth and #success of his students. Jeff loves spending time with his wife and kids and enjoys watching #football and #motorsports. 

Jeff grew up in #Orinda with his parents and three brothers. He bought his first home in Pleasant Hill back in 1976 and has enjoyed raising his kids here and being a part of such a strong, vibrant #community. Jeff has two kids, one is in #college and the other will be graduating from College Park with the Class of 2020. He recalls one of his favorite concerts being #Sting and one of his first albums purchased as The #RollingStones. His favorite food is steak and lobster.