HERMISTON, Ore.-If you enjoy local high school sports there’s a few events this spring you may want to take advantage of to support Umatilla and Hermiston athletics.
The Umatilla Booster Club’s 17th Annual Steak Dinner and Auction is April 12, and the Hermiston Boosters will host their annual Steak Feed and Auction and a golf tournament in May.
“The Booster Club, is very proud of all our kids and athletic programs here in Umatilla,” said member Brenda Baumgart.
In addition to providing scholarships for graduates and an alumni every year, the Umatilla Booster Club has helped purchase a sled for the football team, a softball pitching machine, golf clubs, the video board in the gym and much more over the years.
“The Booster Club helps buy equipment that the teams need, they bring their needs to the AD who brings the items needed to the Club,” said Baumgart. “The AD then tells us how much funding is needed beyond what’s in the budget for the items.”
The Booster Club then gets to work raising money through its annual dinner and auction, and by selling Elephant Ears at Umatilla Landing Days to help get the necessary equipment to support high school athletics.
While the Hermiston High Booster Club’s main fundraiser is its Steak Dinner and Auction, it supports Bulldog athletics throughout the year, distributing funding based on need, with a large grant cycle in May and June to allow coaches to budget for the next season.
Items typically up for auction at the HHS Steak Dinner and Auction include outdoor experiences, such as guided hunting trips or golf getaways, according to the Boosters.
Umatilla Booster Club’s 17th Annual Steak Dinner and Auction on April 12
Doors at the Hermiston Community Center open at 5 p.m. for the dinner catered by Tom Spoo and the evening features three silent auctions and a live auction to raise money for Umatilla High School athletics.
A few tickets for the 21-and-older event are still available at the Banner Bank in Umatilla. Tickets are $30 before the dinner and $35 at the door.
Hermiston Booster Club’s Annual Steak Feed and Auction
The annual dinner and auction at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center (EOTEC) on May 31 will feature a prime rib dinner, auctions and raffles, and complimentary drinks and beer.
Tickets for the HHS Booster Club’s Steak Feed and Auction are currently sold out. Those interested in attending the 2026 event should contact the Hermiston Boosters and provide their contact information.
Hermiston Sports Booster Golf Tournament
The Hermiston Booster Club will host a golf tournament to support Bulldog athletics on May 3. Spots in the tournament are still available and can be reserved online.
Become a Booster
Memberships in both Umatilla’s and Hermiston’s Booster Clubs are available for individuals or businesses interested in supporting local high school sports.
“We are always looking for new blood and new ideas,” said Baumgart of the Umatilla Booster Club, which meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m.
Hermiston High School Sports Booster Memberships for 2024-2025 are also now open and can be purchased online.
