Oct. 29—A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise money to replace the inflatable tunnel helmet the W.F. West High School football team enters the field through during home games.
Jamie Santiago, who describes herself as “a proud football mom of a student at W.F. West High School,” launched the GoFundme.com campaign this week. She said the helmet was damaged by weather following the Bearcats’ loss to Tumwater on Friday.
“For the last five seasons, our football players have had a meaningful tradition that has been provided by a proud local alumni who volunteers his time and equipment to make this a memorable time for them,” Santiago wrote. “Our players have been running out of this tunnel onto their home field with lights going and the music blasting, getting them excited for the game ahead.”
She noted that, each season, seniors have signed the inside of the helmet. She said the helmet portion is not repairable.
“I would like nothing more than for us to come together as a community to raise enough funds for the helmet portion replacement, allowing this tradition to continue for many years to come,” Santiago wrote.
She has set a fundraising goal of $4,500.
To view the crowdfunding campaign or contribute, visit https://tinyurl.com/krnm6ur6.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to note the damage to the inflatable helmet was caused by the weather and not vandalism after changes were made to the GoFundMe.com campaign.
