Wisconsin DECA Direct

Making An Impact through Powder Puff Sport Competitions for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

In early October, Monona Grove DECA hosted a Powder Puff Volleyball and Powderpuff Football game. These events brought our chapters together and also supported a meaningful cause, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). These events not only raised funds but also inspired our school community to come together for a great cause. There are three crucial steps we took as a chapter to set us up for success. 

Step One: Planning The Event

The first and most important step in hosting a Powder Puff event is careful planning. One of our Vice Presidents of Member Engagement was the lead of the event, and collaborated with the Monona Grove DECA’s officer team to assign various roles and tasks. These roles include social media marketer, event coordinators, finance tracker, etc. We then made sure to plan ahead and pick a venue, the school gym and football field, and reserved the space. The next most important planning step is to pick a date that won’t conflict with other major school or community activities. After everything is planned, the next step is making the school community aware.

Step Two: Creating Excitement and Awareness

This was our second year of hosting Powder Puff Football, and our first year of hosting Powder Puff Volleyball. With these both being relatively new events, marketing and creating awareness was a critical step. To ensure a big turnout, we focused on marketing the event through social media, posters, and school announcements. With these marketing strategies, we made sure to highlight the fun of students playing non-traditional sports roles—like girls taking on football and boys playing volleyball—while emphasizing the cause behind it. We also made sure it was known that all donations and proceeds benefited a good cause, the MDA. When sign up forms started to roll in, it was time for the actual events to be held.

Step Three: Executing and Celebrating the Event

On game day for Powder Puff Volleyball, student sections and coaches cheered their teams on. Encouraging teams to wear themed outfits and create a friendly, competitive atmosphere made for much more laughter and joy. After the games, the winning team was awarded prizes and we publicly celebrated the funds raised and shared a heartfelt thank-you to participants, sponsors, and attendees. On Game day for Powderpuff Football, the stands were filled and the energy on the field was high. Each team had coordinating shirts and was eager to start. After the exciting game, the winning team was also awarded and promoted on social media.

Hosting a Powder Puff Volleyball and Football event for the MDA is not just a fundraiser—it’s a chance to lead with impact, foster school spirit, and show students can make a difference beyond the classroom. This year, MG DECA raised $1,700 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and got to continue the tradition during homecoming week once again.