Time for "Moo Poo": FHS Football Players Sell Plots for Annual Fundraiser

Ferndale has a lot of fundraisers - but there's nothing quite like the Moo Poo.

In this annual fundraiser for the football program, the football field is divided into 2-yard by 2-yard plots and students sell "deeds" for each plot. At noon on June 9, two cows will be brought out onto the field. If a cow poops on your spot, you win one of three cash prizes.

Timothy Collins, Ferndale's police chief and the president of the Eagles' Nest - the nonprofit booster club for the Ferndale football program - said the Moo Poo has been around for about 10 years in the city but is a pretty unique concept.

"I don't know anybody else that does it," he said.

The first poo is worth $1,000, the second is worth $500 and the third $250.

And what if the cows don't "go"? After one hour, organizers will draw names to choose the winners instead - if necessary. "So far we've had good luck with poop," Collins said.

The money raised will help send the students to football camp, held each year during the first week of practice, typically known as “Hell Week” for its grueling two-a-day sessions.

"It's a real big team-building thing," Collins said of the Otisville camp. "A lot of these kids have never experienced something like that before. It's really a good experience for them."

This 2011 event generated about $10,000 profit - typical for the fundraiser, Collins said.

Players who sell enough plots can cover their camp fees completely, and those who sell more than enough can use the money toward equipment.

The annual will also be held on June 9 - with the Moo Poo using the school's practice field and the relay taking place at the main field. Relayers are welcome to walk over and check out the event.

Moo Poo deeds are on sale now for $10 each. To buy a plot or for more information, contact a football player, Coach Ryan Dunlap at 586-801-6228 or Collins at 248-867-0063.