RIPON - The Ripon Quarterback Club is on the road again to raise more funds for organized youth athletic programs in the community.

They are offering tickets at $100 each in the giveaway of a new 2010 Harley Davidson “Fat Boy” motorcycle being displayed at tonight’s Ripon High football game.  The winner will be announced at the Oct. 29 homecoming football game with the money realized from the fund raiser going back to youth athletic programs.

In the past 20 years, the club has raised some $350,000 to support competition among Ripon’s youth providing them with up-to-date equipment, uniforms, and for teams to be able to participate in out of town tournaments.

A set of aluminum bleachers was purchased recently for the Ripon Aquatics with the help of funding from the Quarterback Club members.  Money has also been provided by the group for the high school football field scoreboard and press box.

Included in the list of recipients were the members of the high school golf team that was in need of bags and support for their practice time and tournaments.  The Ripon Chiefs just received funding from the club for needed equipment for their current season.

Two $500 scholarships are awarded each year to an outstanding male and female graduate from Ripon High.  The club has a series of annual fundraisers beginning with their golf tournament held the Friday prior to the Almond Blossom weekend in February.

The Almond Blossom Festival Brats and Drinks event is also presented by the Quarterback Club members at the American Legion Hall in addition to a dance the Saturday night of the festival.  

Billed as their biggest fundraiser is the Steak and Oyster Feed held in the spring at the Ripon Community Center.  The club also runs a beer booth at the San Joaquin County Fair and at the Kingdon Drags – set for Sept. 11 and 12 at the Kingdon Airport in Lodi.  

During the Ripon High School home football games club members are always seen manning the barbecue where they are turning out their “famous” barbecue tri-tip sandwiches.

The 50-member strong Quarterback Club also handles barbecues for various teams during their own fund raising events. This year’s president is John Franscella and his VP is Mark Lucchesi.  The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at the (VFW) Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on West Ripon Road at 7 p.m.

The Ripon Quarterback Club has been chosen to lead next year’s Almond Blossom Parade in the role of grand marshal.

To contact club officers, call 401-0418 for John Franscella, president, or 761-5553 for Mark Lucchesi.