E.L.I. FOUNDATION
It is with deeply conflicting emotions that we officially launch the E.L.I. FOUNDATION in honor of our good friend, Coach Lee. Everett "LEE" Ingalls coached West Side for nearly 15 years and never missed a practice, session or tournament in all his time with the program. He also coached locally with Grand Haven, Mona Shores and Jenison High Schools during that time. Coach Lee passed suddenly in the middle of our Summer season in 2025. His impact on the program, coaches and players in our community over the last 15 years was immeasurable, and his loss is equally as painful. Lee was a great friend, a loving father and a dedicated coach. He gave everything he had to his players and the programs he coached with. They became his family and he became ours. It is with great honor that we are transitioning our Scholarship Program into the E.L.I. Foundation in his name and memory.
The E.L.I. Foundation was set up by Coach Steve Strelecki, Coach Adam and myself to provide scholarship opportunities to deserving athletes and families for participation in West Side Lacrosse programs. We are looking for local, West Michigan companies to sponsor West Side Lacrosse through the E.L.I. Foundation to fund scholarship program. 100% of our scholarships are provided through the E.L.I. Foundation and are tax deductible.
West Side is among the least expensive travel lacrosse programs in the state when you consider how much training and game competition we offer. Every year, we have to raise our dues in light of increases in tourney fees, field, travel and equipment costs as well as general inflation. We do our best to be affordable and accommodating working with families who need payment plans and/or assistance. However, that is just not enough. The E.L.I. Foundation will ensure that no player is left out based on financial challenges alone. Money should never be the reason an athlete is denied an opportunity to improve, build relationships and enjoy the sport they love. This is something I deeply believe in and have personal experience with. My life would have been drastically different if camps, coaches and teams did not work with my family to ensure I had the same opportunities as my friends and teammates. This is how I return their kindness and understanding and I am proud do so in Coach Lee's name.
I have attached our 2026/2027 E.L.I. Foundation Form. If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to provide an athlete and family scholarship assistance, please fill out the form and email or mail it back to me. Please share with friends and local West Michigan businesses you think may want to help. Here is what your/their investment will yield...
SILVER Package: $250.00
• link on our home page to your business for 1 year
• small logo on our apparel t-shirts
• small logo on our program banners presented at tournaments at our team tents
• *1 program t-shirt or hat
GOLD Package: $500.00
• link on our home page to your business for 1 year
• medium logo on our apparel t-shirts
• medium logo on our program banners presented at tournaments at our team tents
• public thank you for your sponsorship via social media-facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• *1 program hoodie, t-shirt or hat.
PLATINUM Package: $1000.00
• link on our home page to your business for 1 year
• large logo on our apparel t-shirts
• large logo on our program banners presented at tournaments at our team tents
• seasonal public thank you for your sponsorship via social media-facebook, Instagram & X
• *Apparel pack- Hoodie, T-shirt & Hat.
• framed 8 x 11 program photo
*please provide sizing upon sponsorship agreement
The deadline for Summer sponsors is June 5th to ensure they are included on all new apparel and banners.
West Side is the largest regional travel lacrosse program in Michigan with 600 athletes from two dozen school districts participating in our programs year-round. West Side also offers Fall & Winter travel teams, indoor leagues and camps and clinics so our website has constant year-round traffic. We believe this is a great opportunity to support a local athletic program that believes in its messages of Class & Respect, community and good sportsmanship while also promoting local businesses here in West Michigan.
The E.L.I. Foundation is just getting started. Corporate/Local Business sponsors are only the beginning. We also plan to raise funds and provide opportunities through Local Tournaments, College Showcases, Camps & Clinics and even a Golf Outing (more info coming soon) all in honor of Coach Lee. It is profoundly important that he is remembered by those he cared for and introduced to the next generation of lacrosse players and families. West Michigan Lacrosse would not be where it is today without Coach Lee, and although it feels quieter without him here, he will continue to impact this community and the next generation of lacrosse players.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the E.L.I. Foundation. Thank you for your time and consideration.