COLLECTING CARDS, MAKING MEMORIES. What started as one middle school teacher's desire to support his students has turned into much more, for many more schools and students. (Submitted photos)

Picture in your mind a large group of preteens gathering, laughing, sharing information, and contemplating serious trades, with phones in their pockets. Now you can see it in person at The Sports Cards Kickoff for Kids at the VFW Post 305 (1300 Starr Ave., Eau Claire) on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10am-3pm, and get in on the action!

The Sports Cards Kickoff for Kids event is free for kids, who will take home goody bags filled with cards. Ultimate Authentics Sports Cards and Coulee’s Sports Cards will be in attendance and handing out cards, too. Four different groups will be breaking unopened card boxes to give to kids.

“(I) just love the feeling of giving back and helping kids.”

BRIAN WILTGEN

CARD COLLECTING CLUB CO-FOUNDER

The event is hosted by the Card Collecting Club, a nonprofit organization started by area teacher Brian Wiltgen and his brother, Dave. Brian, a teacher at South Middle School in Eau Claire, observed how withdrawn many students became during COVID-19, relying even further on their electronic devices. Brian remembered how sports card collecting, in his youth, created opportunities for him to interact with and make new friends. With that inspiration, he founded the Card Collecting Club at South, with 30 kids showing up regularly for club meetings.

When other area teachers learned about the club, they contacted Brian to learn more. Between March and the end of this past school year, Brian was able to connect 20 classrooms in 13 different schools with card collecting.

“(I) just love the feeling of giving back and helping kids,” Brian said. For anyone who wants to have that same feeling and bring the joy of card collecting to their life, come out to the event and get involved. 

Games like Aiming for Autos (tossing a beanbag in the board hole to land an autographed card), Putt for Patches (earns you jersey cards), Knock Down for Numbered (bowling-style game to win numbered cards), and a scavenger hunt will also be available. Prizes are not limited to baseball cards; other sports cards are also available. Adults are included in the fun as well, with a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia and gift cards to local restaurants.

Brian encourages event attendees to bring new items of clothing, socks, gloves, or jackets to donate to Helping Hands for Children for Chippewa Valley, a local organization that supports kids who have basic, unmet needs. Items collected at the Sports Cards Kickoff for Kids will be donated.

See if your child’s school offers Card Collecting Club programming to get involved there. For a taste of the fun – plus many chances to win free cards – attend the Sports Cards Kickoff for Kids event at 1300 Starr Ave., Eau Claire, on Saturday, Sept. 9.