About the SAO
About the SAO
Who and What is the Sports Association of Oakland (SAO)?
The Sports Association of Oakland (SAO) is an independent, non-profit group whose mission is to support youth sports, arts and recreation in Oakland. The SAO is comprised of volunteers who all reside in Oakland and supports the Recreation program, but there is no direct link between the SAO and the Rec Commission. The SAO holds a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit IRS status and a New Jersey state gaming license, allowing it to sponsor raffles and games of chance. Membership meets once a month at the Danny D’Elia building on Lawlor Drive, and there is a public session portion at the meeting for anyone wishing to talk to the SAO.
Some of what the SAO offers for Oakland is as follows:
1. Act as a bank for all recreation fundraising efforts and sports that hold fundraising events. All monies are deposited and held in the SAO bank account for accounting, related taxes and transparency purposes.
2. Act as a bank for Great Oak Park Committee fundraising efforts.
3. Summer camp trip funds are deposited in the SAO bank account. Certain companies will not accept Borough purchase orders, so the SAO acts as the bank to collect and then pay vendors for these summer camp activities.
4. Sponsor STEAM classes for Oakland’s youth. The SAO helps to fill a need in Oakland to offer different classes in many art disciplines for residents. Classes have been at Valley Middle School, the Oakland Public Library, the Danny D’Elia Building, and Ramapo Valley Baptist Church.
5. Philanthropist for various Oakland youth needs. The SAO has funded sprinklers on the Rec fields, recess equipment for all Oakland elementary schools, scoreboards, playground equipment, football helmets, plaques, awards & honors, and much more.
6. Ran the 2012 Oakland Carnival, with 100% of proceeds donated towards funding the Rec Field walking path, which were transferred to the Borough in December 2014.
7. Nominate and induct Oakland Sports Hall of Fame members to honor our dedicated volunteers serving the borough's youth.
8. Maintain a Facebook page to proactively inform town residents on Oakland Recreation information/notifications (e.g., field closings) and SAO activities.
9. Front funding for travel sports tournaments, recreation referees and umpires.
The SAO employs an accountant who performs accounting and prepares all necessary tax filings to ensure SAO is in compliance with all regulatory requirements. All disbursements are voted on by the entire board and require majority approval.
2012 SAO Carnival Crew: 1:15am Sunday morning. Photo taken by Soccer Rec Commissioner Steve Saliani.