In 1999, the Poly Panther Club hosted a casual backyard party that eventually became the tradition of Friday Night Lights we know today. On Friday, Sept. 20, the Panther Club hosted the 25th annual Friday Night Lights on Babcock Field, which now functions as both a fundraiser and the only all-school parent party.

The money raised by Friday Night Lights goes towards the Panther Club, which is dedicated to serving the Poly athletics program. They support K-12 athletic events, including Upper School athletic banquets, Lower School sports clinics and end-of-season celebrations for Middle School athletes. Additionally, they help with the purchase of athletic equipment and facility upgrades, such as shade structures, scoreboards and the refurbishment of gym floors.

Assistant chair of this year’s Friday Night Lights Maren Hoecker, who has children in the Upper and Middle School, said, “It is a fun social event, super casual, sports theme, decorations with sports jerseys, food, music and a silent auction where teachers donate experiences.”

Some of the silent auction experiences offered at Friday Night Lights included fencing lessons, movie nights, dinner with Head of School John Bracker and Pie ‘N Burger with Lower School Director Theresa Tran. This year, Friday Night Lights raised about $90,000 overall and $54,000 after expenses.