CHICAGO — Perspectives Charter Schools athletic director Tiray Jackson has been overwhelmed by the support his football team has received since starting a fundraiser Monday night to pay for travel expenses to a playoff game this weekend.
Jackson on Monday started a $3,000 GoFundMe to pay for bus travel to Downstate Danville. The fundraiser in less than 24 hours hit its goal and, as of Thursday morning, had raised $4,670.
"We're extremely thankful for all who have poured out their support for our program," Jackson said Wednesday. "The excitement our team's success has generated in our schools has been unbelievable."
The team, which is in the Illinois High School Association state playoffs for the first time since 2012, has dedicated its season to Jamichael Nevers, 19, a fullback/linebacker who was killed in a car accident over the summer. (Watch a highlight tape of Nevers here)
Check out Jamichael Nevers' THE LAST RIDE on @Hudl https://t.co/hIa7KNk5jM #hudl He Went Nuts Man 😓 never will there be another 😪
— Goldo 〽️ (@_TezTheShit) June 28, 2016
“We lost a beloved former member of our team over the summer when Jamichael passed," head coach Terry Jones said. "And that’s been our guys’ dedication and drive this whole year. To 'Ball Like Mike,' to thoroughly represent his spirit, fight and compassion on the field day in and day out, just as Jamichael did when he was here with us. That’s what they continue to do. I’m proud of them and we’re extremely grateful to be in this position.”
Jackson launched the fundraiser to help pay for five buses that will take players, coaches, cheerleaders, parents, band members and fans of the team to Danville, which is about 130 miles each way. He said the average cost per bus was about $1,250.
"With the budgetary constraints that's plagued CPS and charters, there was no way I could afford to send the team on the road at that price for one game," he said.
More than 100 people have donated to the fundraiser. That includes a few former NFL players and one current one, Jackson said, but he noted those players at this point wish to remain anonymous.
RELATED: Perspectives' Football Coach Overcomes Shootings, Stabbing to Lead Team
Perspectives finished the regular season 7-2 and made the IHSA playoffs for the second time in school history.
“This is a team who’s shown the grit, passion, and determination to prove to themselves and others that they belong here," Jones said.
The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Danville (7-2) is seeded eighth in Class 6A, while Perspectives is seeded ninth.
"This gives them a sense of importance and pride in their school," Jackson said. "These are the feelings we definitely want to invoke in our students, parents and communities. I understand well the pressures of our kids living in Auburn-Gresham and neighboring South Side communities. It's tough."
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