The East Ridge Alumni and Supporters Association announced at its monthly meeting held last Monday its fundraising efforts have been a success.

In a newsletter detailing the meeting, the group said that it raised $41,750 from its recent reunion weekend and a total of $70,741 since its founding last year.

The group was formed after the razing of Raymond James Stadium in August 2015. The association is raising money to be used to build ancillary facilities at the football field such as locker rooms, coaches’ offices and concession stands. New aluminum bleachers for the stadium are slated for construction in mid-October and will be funded by Hamilton County.

According to minutes of the meeting, the group will survey its membership in regard to future fundraising efforts. A suggestion was made to host a tailgate party at the ERHS Homecoming game on September 29. That tailgate party will focus on increasing membership and awareness of the association.

A discussion took place regarding artist’s renderings of potential structures the group wants to contribute funds to at the high school’s athletic facilities. It was noted that Hamilton County Commission has requirements for bids, utilities and facilities.

Due to the upcoming Labor Day holiday, the next meeting of the group will be on Monday, Sept. 12. That meeting, the minutes state, will be a “work session” to assemble and distribute thank-you letters to all donors, volunteers, contributors and supporters for funds raised to date.

For more information about the East Ridge Alumni and Supporters Association click here.