Booster Blitz was founded in 2024 by Jennifer Betzen. She is a parent fundraiser, and designed Booster Blitz to help other parent fundraisers come up with ideas and connect with each other in an affordable one day blitz-style conference.
From raffle ticket sales, to walk-a-thons, to planning and executing a gala with a live and silent auction, Jennifer knows the highs and lows of raising money for school and athletic programs. She is taking her energy, expertise and passion for event planning and fundraising to make sure Booster Blitz gives fellow fundraising parents the tools, guidance, and advice they need. Most importantly, Booster Blitz was designed to connect parents from across Chicagoland with each other and ignite their inner spark for fundraising at their own organizations!
All types of parent groups for elementary, middle, and high school at both public and private schools are welcome at Booster Blitz! If you have ever sought donations to keep your students, school, and activities funded, join us!
Even if you are not affiliated with a group and would like to get one started at your school, you are welcome here.
We can't wait to meet you on September 19, 2025!
About Jennifer
Professionally and personally, Jennifer has a passion for fundraising, and is the proud founder of Booster Blitz.
Jennifer currently serves on a non profit "Friends of" board at a Chicago selective enrollment high school, where she focuses on the gala and annual appeal fundraising campaigns. She also works to raise money through raffle ticket and merchandise sales at her children's non profit dance studio.
In addition, Jennifer has worked in the Development and Advancement departments at Chicago non-profit organizations, collaborating and leading on fundraising, events, newsletters, mailing lists, and database management.
By connecting parents with each other, and with vendors and exhibitors, we aim to make the fundraising process easier and more successful for school based groups.
With focused sessions on the specifics of parent driven school and athletic fundraising, you will learn new practical skills, tips, and products that will help you exceed your fundraising goals and build school community.
See the possibilities of school and athletic fundraising. Whether you are looking for fundraising ideas, or need to research vendors to implement a project after a successful fundraising drive, you will find a solution at Booster Blitz.
Expo
Our unique vendor fair and expo will ignite your passion for fundraising solutions. These vendors work in the Chicagoland area and are ready to help you with your questions about fundraising possibilities.
Booster Blitz will be held on Friday, September 19 from 9 am to 3 pm at University of Illinois Chicago in the Illinois Room of Student Center East. The address of Student Center East is 750 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60607
UIC is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
By car:
From the north, take Kennedy (I-90) east. Continue on the Kennedy to the Dan Ryan, I-90-94 east. Exit at Taylor. Turn right (west) and travel one block to the intersection of Taylor and Halsted. Turn right (north) onto Halsted and travel one half block.
From the west: Take Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) to the Racine Avenue exit. Turn right (south) to Harrison Street. Turn left (east) onto Harrison and proceed to Halsted. Turn right (south) and go one block.
From the east: Take Harrison Street west to Halsted Street and turn left (south) into the campus.
From the south: take the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/I-94) and exit on Roosevelt Road. Turn left (west) on Roosevelt Road to Halsted Street, then turn right (north) on Halsted Street to the campus.
UIC is easily reached by public transportation. The CTA provides many lines that connect, and the Blue Line has a UIC Halsted stop about one block north of Student Center East. Metra stations are a short walk or ride away from campus. For detailed instructions, please visit the RTA Chicago Website.
Parking is available in the Halsted and Taylor Street Parking structure. The address is 760 W Taylor Street. The entrance is on Taylor Street. Take ticket upon entry and and pay upon exit. Cash, debit and credit cards accepted. The rate is hourly and is about $15 for an all day event.
Due to insurance restrictions, no one under the age of 18 may attend. This includes infants in carriers and toddlers in strollers. We are sorry but we cannot make any exceptions to this rule.
Have a question not answered here? Please reach out to info@boosterblitz.com