Local fundraising supports Sandpoint football and offers a chance to win big By Taylor Shillam
Football season in Sandpoint has arrived, along with the chance to support local players in more ways than one. From dedicated students and coaches to a highly supportive community, fall football in Sandpoint has an impact that is felt both in and outside of the stadium.
“We have a very competitive team that works really hard,” says Sandpoint High School football head coach Ryan Knowles, who’s looking forward to what his team will accomplish this season. “I am excited to see how we stack up against the best teams in the area.”
Every year, Sandpoint’s youth football teams rely closely on the local community for its energy, encouragement, and essential support through fundraising. The Sandpoint Football Foundation has been a key component of that fundraising, as a nonprofit organization specifically created to provide support for middle and high school students participating in Sandpoint football programs.
“Our mission is to provide fundraising opportunities for kids and programs to alleviate the personal costs of equipment, purchase and maintain proper safety equipment, help provide meals for programs, help with personal costs of staff development clinics” and much more, the foundation states. Their efforts provide critical components that set players up for their best, safest fall season possible.
Sandpoint High School players are fitted with top-quality, highly safe football equipment, and the foundation’s efforts have been critical to making that happen. As a nonprofit 501c3 organization, fundraising is the Sandpoint Football Foundation’s primary focus—like the highly anticipated annual car raffle sponsored by Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. The Taylor & Sons Sandpoint Football Foundation Car Raffle presents the chance for football supporters to win a new Chevrolet Equinox, with every raffle ticket sale fully supporting Sandpoint High School players.
“The fundraiser will help with team travel and meals, as well as our yearly expenses for equipment,” Knowles affirms.
Every $5 donated will provide a virtual raffle ticket that will become eligible for the final drawing for the car. Ticket buyers can choose to directly support a player of choice, with 50 percent of ticket sales benefiting the individual player’s football program dues, camp costs, and individual gear, including cleats, gloves and more. The other half of ticket sales will directly benefit the overall program to pay for team overhead costs and team-issued gear, like shoulder pads, helmets and practice jerseys, plus travel gear such as bags and attire.
As of late August, the fundraising goal had been far surpassed, with over $150,000 in funds raised. In line with tradition, the lucky winner will be announced at a football game. The winning ticket for the Chevy Equinox will be pulled at halftime of the Bulldogs’ Homecoming game against Homedale, on September 16, at Memorial Field.
Taylor & Sons Chevrolet is a family owned dealership located on Highway 95 in North Ponderay, serving the Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene areas. They have served the Sandpoint area for generations and have earned a reputation for excellence.
"Taylor & Sons has been a consistent supporter of youth athletics in the Greater Sandpoint Community since our family moved to town in 1988. Due to my two brothers Tucker, Chad and myself having been former Bulldog football players, our support has been primarily directed toward the football program," shares Brett Taylor.
"Youth athletics, and football in particular, help to set the course for values that can be carried for the rest of your life. Learning how to win and lose. Commitment to something bigger than yourself. Mental and physical toughness. The value of competition. Seeing something to completion over a number of years."
Raffle tickets are available for purchase up until September 16, from Taylor & Sons Chevrolet or the Dairy Depot located at 1105 Michigan Street. Tickets can also be purchased directly from the Bulldog players. Any related questions can be directed to sandpointfootballfoundation@gmail.com.
“The support of this town is amazing,” shares Knowles. “We appreciate every donation, and we will continue to work hard and represent this community in a positive manner.” This season, Sandpoint High School football’s motto is “Sic ‘em.” With the dedicated help and support of their local community, the Bulldogs are sure to move forward with confidence in doing just that.