Thundersticks: A Fundraising and School Spirit Strategy Most Booster Clubs Overlook

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For fundraising, most groups rely on routines like coupon books, discount cards, and popcorn sales. These methods work, but often lack excitement and long-term value.
If you want to energize, engage, and earn, there’s a better option.
Thundersticks.
Custom thundersticks do more than raise money. They transform game days, unite crowds, and showcase school spirit.
With the right strategy, they become a consistent fundraising tool, not just a one-time sale.

Why Thundersticks Work for Schools and Booster Clubs

Thundersticks are not just noise makers. They are experience builders. If you don’t know thundersticks are, see them being used in the video below at the 1:35 mark.

They give fans a way to participate in the game, not just watch it. When the entire crowd is using them, the atmosphere changes instantly.
From a fundraising perspective, they check all the boxes:

• Low cost per unit
• Easy to sell
• High perceived value at games
• Visible branding for schools and sponsors

Because they are tied to the event's excitement, they feel like part of the experience rather than just another fundraiser.

Unique Fundraising Ideas Using Thundersticks

Most schools simply sell thundersticks at the gate. That works, but it only scratches the surface.
Here are more strategic ways to turn thundersticks into a high-performing fundraising program.

1. Sponsor-Funded Thundersticks

One of the most profitable ways to use thundersticks is by adding sponsor logos. Because the print area on thundersticks is so large, you can easily fit a dozen or more sponsor logos. Create sponsorship packages with varying logo sizes, plus perks like a link on your website, mentions on the team's social media pages, an ad in your program, etc.

Large Print Area on Thundersticks

Local businesses are always looking for ways to get in front of a crowd. Thundersticks give them:

• Repeated visibility during games
• Association with school spirit
• Exposure in photos and social media

How it works:

• Sell sponsorship spots on the thundersticks
• Include your school logo alongside sponsor logos
• Sell them and can easily make 400-500% profit

This allows you to generate revenue before the first game even starts.

2. Limited Edition Game Day Designs

Create urgency by offering different designs for key events.
Examples include:

• Homecoming edition
• Rivalry game edition
• Senior night edition
• Playoff edition

Fans love collecting items tied to specific moments. Adding the date or event name makes the thundersticks feel like a keepsake.
Limited runs also encourage early purchases and higher demand.

3. Bundle Thundersticks With Spirit Packs

Instead of selling thundersticks alone, package them with other items.
Examples:

• Thundersticks + school t-shirt
• Thundersticks + rally towel
• Thundersticks + concession voucher
• Thundersticks + a mini football

These bundles increase your average sale per customer and make the offer feel more valuable.

4. Pre-Sell for Guaranteed Profit

One of the biggest challenges with fundraising is the upfront cost.
Pre-selling thundersticks solves that.

Strategy:

• Promote them through email and social media
• Allow parents and students to pre-order
• Use those funds to cover production

This reduces risk and ensures you start the season profitable.

5. Student Section Challenges

Get students involved by turning the thunderstick sales into a competition.
Examples:

• The grade that sells the most wins a pizza party
• Hit a sales goal and unlock a special event
• Offer VIP seating incentives

When students are motivated, they become your best sales team.

6. Create a “White Out” or “Color Theme” Game

Photo by Shaheen Karolia - Flickr: Let's Go Raptors, CC BY 2.0.

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Coordinate thundersticks with themed games.
Examples:

• White out game with white thundersticks
• School color night
• Pink out game for awareness

When everyone in the stands matches, it creates a powerful visual impact that also looks great in photos and videos. If you plan this for a big game, such as homecoming, you’ll be able to sell these because they are a different color from the previous version. Don’t underestimate the power of FOMO!
This kind of atmosphere can elevate your program’s image.

7. Use Thundersticks as Entry Incentives

Instead of selling every pair, use some strategically.
Offer free thundersticks for:

• Season ticket holders
• Premium seating packages
• For VIP fans
• The first 100 fans

This helps boost attendance and creates a stronger crowd from the start.

8. Social Media and Community Engagement

Thundersticks are highly visual, making them perfect for social media.
Encourage fans to:

• Post photos using them
• Tag the school
• Share game day moments

You can even run contests:
“Best crowd photo wins free gear”
This expands your reach beyond the stadium.

Why Thundersticks Drive More Than Revenue

Fundraising is important, but thundersticks do more than generate money.
They:

• Increase crowd energy
• Create a stronger home-field advantage
• Build school pride
• Encourage fan participation

A loud, unified crowd can change the entire feel of a game.
For athletes, that energy matters.
For the community, it creates a stronger connection to the program.

The Psychology Behind Why Thundersticks Work

Thundersticks tap into something simple. People want to be part of the moment.
They are not just watching the game. They are contributing to it.
That participation creates:

• Higher engagement
• Stronger memories
• More emotional connection to the school

And when people feel connected, they are more likely to support future fundraising efforts.

Tips for Designing Effective Thundersticks

To get the most impact, design matters.
Focus on:

• Bold school colors
• Simple, readable text
• Large logo placement
• High contrast for visibility

Avoid overloading the design. The goal is to be seen from across the stadium.
If you are including sponsors, make sure one full side prominently features your school identity, including your school/team name and mascot.

The Long-Term Opportunity

Most schools treat thundersticks as a one-time fundraiser.
The real opportunity is to turn them into an annual program.
Each season, you can:

• Introduce new designs
• Add new sponsors
• Build anticipation
• Increase sales

Over time, thundersticks can become a tradition that students and fans look forward to every year.

Final Thoughts

Thundersticks are one of the most underutilized tools for schools and booster clubs.
They are affordable, easy to sell, and directly tied to the excitement of game day. But more importantly, they bring people together.
With the right strategy, thundersticks can:

• Generate consistent fundraising revenue
• Increase attendance and engagement
• Build stronger school spirit

If you are looking for a fundraiser that actually gets people excited, thundersticks are a powerful place to start. See all of our school spirit items here.