The Northstars Booster Club takes pride in our continued support of Special Olympics teams in the North Kansas City School District and surrounding areas. As a nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to fostering the abilities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through organized recreation and social activities. Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive environment where athletes thrive, develop lasting friendships, and grow alongside supportive mentors. Through these experiences, we empower our athletes and provide opportunities for personal growth.

Established in 2013 by dedicated parents, we began as a collaborative effort with the NKCSD to ensure children with intellectual disabilities could participate in team sports. While we started with swimming and bowling, our program has grown significantly. By the 2014-2015 season, we added track, softball, and basketball. Today, fueled by our athletes' desire to compete, we have expanded to include bocce ball, pickleball, and powerlifting.

Our 2017 registration as a nonprofit solidified this commitment. That dedication shows in our numbers: athlete participation has grown to over 200 athletes across 8 sports. Our community is diverse, with an even 50/50 split between athletes under and over the age of 18. We are also proud to have 50 unified partners who volunteer alongside our athletes, providing vital support and camaraderie.

The Northstars program goes far beyond the realm of sports; it is about community engagement. Whether through fundraising or our award-winning tradition of creative floats in the Snake Saturday Parade, we believe in the importance of giving back. From dance events to family nights, these activities strengthen our bonds and foster a true sense of belonging.

Board of Directors

"Elected annually, this dedicated board meets monthly to ensure our athletes and teams have the consistent support they need to succeed."

Accreditation

"We are proud to share that the Northstars Booster Club has earned a Silver Seal of Transparency on Candid (formerly GuideStar), reflecting our commitment to financial accountability and open communication."

2026 Board of Directors

eOfficers:
President - Heather Gambell
Vice President - Tracy Ray
Treasurer - Maggie Moran
Secretary - Pam Ewing
Immediate Past President - Sarah Wright
School District Liaison - Emma Bastarache
Lead Team Representative - Shawn Norris

Sports-Specific Supports:
Swimming - Shawn Norris
Basketball - Gina Verdusco
Track - Phil & Tiffany Hawthorne
Softball - Jason Regan & Melanie Mears
Pickleball - Gina Verdusco
Powerlifing - Pam Ewing
Bocce Ball - Sadie Salvatierra
Bowling - Tracy Ray & Heather Gambell

Accreditation

Transparency is at the heart of our partnership with you. Please visit our profile on Candid for comprehensive updates on our growth and community initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we strive to ensure every supporter feels confident in the stewardship of their contribution.