In Support of Football

Football Football

THE CHANCE TO SUPPORT SANDPOINT’S

YOUTH FOOTBALL TEAMS, ALONG WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN BIG

BY TAYLOR SHILLAM

At the height of summer, many football players instead have sights set on the upcoming fall, their season to shine. Every season, it’s clear that Sandpoint’s high school and middle school football teams create an infectious energy that is felt by the entire community, and created through mutual respect and support.

“We have the most supportive community a coach could ask for,” Sandpoint High Football Coach Ryan Knowles shared, looking forward to leading his team into the upcoming season. Each fall, Sandpoint’s youth football teams rely on community support, starting with the critical preseason process of fundraising. That’s where the Sandpoint Football Foundation comes in.

The Sandpoint Football Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides fundraising support to local football associations. Their fundraisers provide essential opportunities for the kids and the programs they participate in.

“Every year, it’s a chance for our team to get out and shake hands,” Knowles said of the high school’s participation in annual fundraising. “A lot of our community wants to connect with our youth. We get a chance to meet a lot of good people and give them a chance to win a big prize.”

This year’s biggest fundraiser is the Taylor and Sons Sandpoint Football Foundation Truck Raffle. Sponsored by local dealership Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, the grand prize is a 2021 Chevy Colorado, boasting high-tech features, a cherry red tint coat and jet-black interior. The truck is valued at a total of $33,575, making it a very big prize indeed for one lucky raffle ticket holder this fall.

The foundation holds a raffle fundraiser every year, with half of proceeds benefiting players at an individual level to cover costs like program dues, camp costs, gloves and cleats. The remaining proceeds benefit the program as a whole, paying for team-issued gear, travel gear, food, and overhead costs.

The fundraiser helps ensure local players meet their financial obligations while staying outfitted in the safest, most highquality gear.

Community members can purchase raffle tickets online through the foundation’s website at SPBulldogs.com, or from the players directly. Every $5 donation will purchase an entry for the grand prize drawing.

The winner of the Chevy Colorado will be drawn at halftime at Sandpoint High’s Homecoming Game against Lake City on October 1. Ticket sales are unlimited and will run through October 1, ending just prior to the drawing at halftime.

Coach Knowles reflects nothing but pride for his players, their sport and their community. “We have the best stadium in the state, with War Memorial Field at Barlow Stadium on Jerry Kramer Way,” he stated. “This place is alive with history, tradition and excitement.”

#81 WILL HURST GO BULLDOGS!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

- Philippians 4:13 Will, we are so proud of you for your hard work and dedication. We are so excited for your senior year! Love always, Dad, Mom & Hannah

After COVID-19 stalled the foundation’s funding in 2020, this year’s efforts became especially critical. Still, the teams remain hopeful to regain financial momentum in the upcoming months. “COVID slowed us down for a year, but we came roaring back this spring,” Knowles said. They boosted fundraising efforts throughout the summer and are now ready to celebrate with a killer season.

“We have been working very hard this offseason, and I look forward to that paying off,” Knowles shared. “I am excited to show how tough we are.”

All proceeds from the Taylor and Sons Sandpoint Football Foundation Truck Raffle will benefit current and future players. Individual and team-based donations to the Sandpoint Bulldogs can be made at SPBulldogs.com, with every $5 raffle ticket purchase taking the donor closer to a shiny new Chevy Colorado.

“It is a humbling and great honor to lead the Sandpoint Football Team this fall,” Knowles stated. That honor will be shared by the supportive community that stays dedicated to cheering them on.