The Oak Park High School Athletic Booster Club is offering discount tickets to Magic Mountain for use over winter break, Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, 2011.

The Coasters for a Cause fundraiser combines donating to a good cause with bargain priced amusement park tickets. For every $25 ticket sold, the Athletic Boosters will give a $10 donation to their general fund, said Susie Bock, a member of the booster club.

Tickets are $35 online and $60 at the gate.

“The Coasters for a Cause fundraiser is an exciting opportunity because we could potentially raise thousands of dollars for our athletic programs at OPHS,” said Dhana Stevens, the Athletic Booster Club president. “More specifically, we are always raising money to cover the cost of our amazing athletic trainer and enhancing our sports medicine program by purchasing supplies and equipment that is needed.”

Stevens said each team at Oak Park High has a wish list that they hope will be fully funded by the booster club. “In a perfect world, the ABC would love to fund tournaments and uniforms, but I think we are still light years away from being able to help with those costs.

Earlier in the year, the club held a rummage sale that raised $5,000, Stevens said. The Coasters for a Cause fundraiser is the last formal fundraiser for the year.

Stevens suggests that families take a trip to Magic Mountain at the reduced price over winter break, or buy tickets as a holiday gift for friends, family member or co-workers.

Counselor Stewart McGugan said the fundraiser is beneficial for people of all ages.

“I think it’s a good opportunity to raise some money to help support all of our athletic programs, which includes paying for our trainer, Brenda (Pasqua),” he said. “Brenda is a very critical part of our athletic team and her employment is needed for our athletes.”

To purchase tickets or for further information, contact Stevens at dhana_stevens@hotmail.com.

The Oak Park High School Athletic Booster Club can be accessed by visiting the district website at www.oakparkusd.org.

In addition to purchasing Magic Mountain tickets, community members are also encouraged to donate money directly to the booster club through its website.

—Stephanie Bertholdo