Eating french fries for a good cause

Did you know concession revenue from Sanford High School sporting events has funded the purchase of all kinds of athletic equipment?

The Red and White Foundation has been fundraising on behalf of athletics for more than 25 years. Among the recent facility improvements are a batting cage for the practice gym, a shooting machine for the basketball teams, and padded chairs for various events.

“The Red and White Foundation truly has been amazing,” Sanford High School Athletic Director Zach Lemelin said. “I know that they have put in some incredibly long hours.”

The Foundation has significantly contributed to the Sanford High School campus, raising approximately $250,000 to build a concession stand and bathroom facilities at Alumni Stadium. They own the building on the school campus and run the kitchen, ensuring it is safe and clean for use. Joe Bolduc, Mike Perkins, and Barbara Fromwiller have been instrumental in the operation of the Red and White Foundation. Fromwiller has been the treasurer for the Foundation for the past four years. Mike Perkins and Joe Bolduc share duties during the boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons.

The Foundation will set up a stand at Memorial Gym for wrestling tournaments and basketball games. And come football season, it becomes a true team effort to make sure things run smoothly.

“When it comes to Friday night football games,” Bolduc said, “that is all hands on deck.”

“It’s been a great thing,” Bolduc said. “I like doing it. So, it’s a lot of fun. My family doesn’t understand why I volunteer. You know, but I do it. And I love it and it makes the world a better place.”

The Foundation’s support extends beyond facilities and equipment, as they have also helped fund scholarships for graduating seniors, dating back to their existence, giving $1,000 to a boy and $1,000 to a girl. They leave it up to the Athletic Department to select the deserving students who will represent the Red and White Foundation and go off to be successful.

“The Red and White Foundation is willing to do certain things to help continue to support athletics and today’s ever-changing environment,” Lemelin said. “They’ve made a huge difference in the Athletic Department, and they have made it easy to recognize some hardworking, deserving kids.”