Welcome to The Warehouse Capital Campaign home page! We're excited to build a new home for both the Boys and Girls Jr. Dukes Basketball Program, but need your help bringing it to life!
The combined Boys and Girls Jr. Dukes Board of Directors has agreed to sign a 5 year lease on “The Warehouse,” our practice facility in Glendale. Upon signing the lease the organization will raise funds to undertake significant improvements to the facility, including:
There are numerous advantages to this course of action. We now control our own destiny, since the club’s schedule will no longer be dependent on WFB School Gym availability. This allows for:
Without the limitation of space, we expect to offer more programming, more player development and engage more kids in the game of basketball!
Interested in giving? Please contact Beth Wagner at bethcrivellowagner@gmail.com or Nicole Miskel at nicolemiskel@gmail.com to discuss donor levels and payment options. Or pay immediately through Venmo @jrdukeshoops or by personal check made out to Jr. Dukes Basketball and deliver or mail c/o Jr. Dukes, 5570 N. Bay Ridge Ave., Whitefish Bay, 53217.
Premier Sponsor: $10,000
Courtside Sponsor: $5,000
3-Point Sponsor: $1,000
Lay-up Sponsor: $500
Why are we renting a space vs. using Whitefish Bay school gyms?
The reality is that we are incredibly limited on gym space in the District, and despite repeated attempts to gain better access to WFB gyms, we're behind both the school and the Rec Department in priority. In addition, we tend to compete with other community-based and non-community-based programs, further limiting access. Oftentimes we are bumped for other programs and events, and find ourselves canceling and/or scrambling to find more space. Also keep in mind, we were already renting space from several neighboring school districts and churches to round out or schedule.
Why would we pay to rent space when we can use the WFB school facilities?
Unlike many community-based clubs, the use of WFB gym space was never free of charge to the Jr Dukes. In fact, in 2019 our two clubs paid approximately $30,000 to rent gym space from our district, the Bayside school district and the Jewish Day School. Furthermore, the quality of some of the WFB facilities is not conducive to player development.
We are the Whitefish Bay Jr Dukes, shouldn’t we practice where we live?
Jr Dukes Baseball, Softball, and other select clubs have long been practicing in locations outside of our Village boundaries. From the farthest point in WFB, the Warehouse facility in Glendale is only 5.5 miles (about a 15 minute drive). Additionally, this facility will allow us to make the space our own - a true home for WFB Jr. Dukes.
What do the Varsity Head Coaches think of this decision?
Both Jon Schneider (girls) and John Ricciardi (boys) have been part of the decision-making process and are fully supportive of our plans for the Glendale facility. We've shared The Warehouse with their teams and players over the past year, and intend to do so in the years ahead.
Won’t we still have to rent space in the WFB school gyms?
Yes, but only on a very limited basis. For example, 7th and 8th grade teams will likely have some practices in the High School Field House.
Do we have enough money to pay for the planned improvements?
We have enough in savings across the Boys and Girls programs to complete some of the improvements. With the help of the community (sponsors, supporters, families, local businesses) we are confident in our ability to quickly raise the additional funds needed, and complete all the improvements prior to the start of the 2021-2022 season.
Interested in becoming a sponsor of Whitefish Bay Jr Dukes Basketball Club?
Many thanks to the Brodersen Family for their premier sponsorship of The Warehouse! Their generous donation allowed us to install a fully functioning sport court and make several modifications to the space.
We are incredibly grateful for all they have done for Jr Dukes and The Warehouse!
The Miskel Family's leadership and generosity is what made this initiative possible! From the beginning, Chris and Nicole helped bring this vision to fruition. Without them, we wouldn't have this amazing Facility!
The Balthasar Family not only provided funds to make sure The Warehouse became a reality, they also dedicate countless hours to coaching and and volunteering both on and off-season.
Without the Burkemper Family, the Warehouse would not have become a reality! Coach Burkemper's company led the construction efforts, and guided the the project from design through to completion.
The Gerard Family's generous donation allowed us to complete some critical areas of The Warehouse, including the film room and other finishing touches.
