Novi athletes took time away from their playing fields and pools this fall to give back to the community by participating in Busch’s Season of Sharing Food Drive. Athletes from seven Novi athletic teams joined with Boosters members in inviting store patrons to donate and help their neighbors in need.

“Any time that our student athletes can be involved in community events that help people in need, it’s very valuable,” said Novi Athletic Director Christian Wilson. “Not only are they working hard on the athletic field and in the classroom, but they are out in the community, and those lessons are lifelong.”

Each day of the November drive, the entryway at the Novi Busch’s store became a sea of green and white as participating teams – Baseball, Field Hockey, Football, Girls Swim & Dive, Hockey, Boys Lacrosse and Ski –  donned their spirit wear to represent their school and teams while greeting customers.

According to Busch’s Fresh Food Market founder, Doug Busch, more than 400 volunteers statewide helped to raise $248,652 in cash and product value – a more than 40 percent increase over last year. “More importantly, 100 percent of what was raised will go to help those less fortunate during this holiday season,” Busch said.