KINGSTON — Kingston High School Athletic Boosters hope to raise about $19,000 in 2013.

The goal would be about equal to the money raised for athletics in 2012.

Because of budget cuts in the district, the boosters are having to help teams with basic items, keeping the fields and equipment in order, booster Vice-President David Winn wrote in an email to the Herald.

Money, Winn wrote, goes toward such things as rebuilding pitching mounds and purchasing new uniforms and helmets; every year football helmets need to be inspected and repaired.

To help raise money, the boosters will hold their third Buccaneer Fundraising Auction March 16 at the Suquamish Clearwater Resort Hotel. The auction begins at 5 p.m.

“As NKSD’s budget continues to shrink, so does the funding for our athletic programs,” athletic booster President Hope Lash said in a press release.

“This fundraising auction is a necessity to ensure we continue to offer quality programs for our student athletes. The monies we raise will help with uniform replacement costs, additional seating at the track and football field, team transportation costs and equipment needs like a new wrestling mat, baseball bats, etc.”

Cost for admission is $45 per person or $80 per couple.

The auction will include appetizers and complimentary drink tickets. A silent and live auction will be held. Items include a week-long vacation to Hawaii or Cancun, a guided drift boat fishing trip in Forks, and an overnight golf package for two at the Port Ludlow Resort. A dessert auction will also be held.

Kingston High School reduced its athletic expenses by about $47,000 in the 2011-12 school year, compared to the 2010-11 year. A total of $262,303 was spent on athletics in the 2011-12 year. About $303,000 was spent in the 2010-11 year.

The boosters have also been working to secure funding for a press box at the football field, which is expected to be available by fall. The boosters are also working on plans to add more stands at the football field.

At North Kitsap High School, each team raises its own funds. However, booster club President Megan Milyard said changes to the booster bylaws could restructure the club to make it similar to KHS’ in the future. The booster club hosts “Burger Bash” at sporting events and runs concessions.