The Red and White Foundation, a nonprofit booster group supporting Sanford athletics, has been an integral part of the Sanford High School campus for over 25 years.
The group's focus is centered on the student-athletes, and they work hard to fundraise to support their needs.
"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."
The funding has allowed the Red and White Foundation to purchase several items to improve the athletic department, including a batting cage for the practice gym, a shooting machine for the basketball teams, padded chairs for various events, and much more. Their hard work has significantly impacted the student athletes' lives and allowed them to have better facilities and equipment for their sports.
"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 make 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."
The Red and White Foundation is always looking for volunteers to help out. For more information on the Foundation, check out their Facebook page here.