Business & Tech

Local Business Owners Give Back

Jersey Mike's Subs recently presented a $2,002 check to Murrieta Valley High School baseball players.

The Murrieta Valley High School Nighthawk Baseball Booster Club is tasked with raising $35,000 a year.

The money is put toward new clay for the infield, new grass seed, uniforms and supplies. But the bulk of it is to pay assistant coaches' stipends, said Mike Howley, vice president of the nonprofit booster club. Howley's son, Casey, is a senior at Murrieta Valley and a pitcher on the varsity baseball team.

"The (Murrieta Valley Unified School) district pays for three coaches; we have eight," Howley said.

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So when Howley went knocking on doors for sponsorships this season, he found a friend in Jersey Mike's Subs.

Ten-year Murrieta residents Boris and Laurie Ilic opened the sub shop six months ago at 25359 Madison Ave., Suite 109. Jersey Mike's franchisees are encouraged to reach out to their communities, which is something the Ilics have exceeded in.

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The Ilics know raising money has become an unavoidable accompaniment to most extra-curricular activities for youth.

"We focus on education and sports programs," Laurie said. "It depends on how big the program is; we have all different levels of fund-raising."

For Murrieta Valley Baseball, they printed up 2,500 cards good for a free sub sandwich with a minimum donation of $3. One-hundred percent of donations went back to the club.

"I asked them for a $250 sign sponsorship," Howley said. "They brought up this fund-raiser to me."

Howley, other parents and the players passed the cards out around town. They also stood outside the sub shop for three days, handing out the cards to passers-by.

The result was a $2,002 check presented to the players this week.

Howley said he would like to recognize people's generosity, as well as Jersey Mike's.

"They have done it for several other schools, and more people need to know how community-driven they are."


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