Born from this community’s heart for generosity, the Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit that serves our public schools largely behind the scenes.
In seven years, that has meant funding projects above and beyond traditional tax-funded budget items. Such projects as:
• Uniforms for the high school marching band
• Dugouts at the SHS softball field
• Climbing wall inside practice gym at Sanford High School
• Ropes course outside SHS with zipline
• Electrical wiring and meter kits for SRTC program
• Building Trades Program equipment
• Folding chairs and storage racks for Sanford Middle School community events
• Steinway piano funded by “Have a Seat” naming in the SPAC
• Athletic scoreboards in the gym and stadium
• Fitness equipment in the Cardio Room
• Building and equipping concession stand and restrooms at Alumni Stadium
• Financial literacy curriculum
• Performing Arts Center fader wing for lighting control panel
• Fire Science Program student gear
• Storage area for outside athletic and maintenance equipment
• Collision Repair Program hybrid welder and pressure gun
Further, the Legacy’s collaboration with the Alumni Association for stadium naming rights has led to many additions and improvements to the stadium and athletic equipment.
“These important, practical gifts enhance the amazing opportunities our schools give our children every day,” said Kendra Williams, president of the Legacy Board. “The Legacy Foundation acts as a conduit for donations from area businesses, nonprofits and personal donations, such as estate gifts from folks who want to leave a local legacy.”
The Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2016 to allow individuals and corporations with a means to provide tax-deductible financial and in-kind support to the Sanford schools, working in collaboration with the Sanford Red and White Foundation, SHS Music Boosters and the Sanford Alumni Association. In addition, the Legacy Foundation regularly partners with local and regional businesses and community leaders throughout Sanford.
Allen Lampert led the board in the early years with Don Jamison, David Theoharides and David Jagger, as well as Treasurer Gwen Bedell-Gadbois who was critical in setting up the nonprofit as a 501(c)3 and internal funding mechanisms. Together, they were crucial to establishing relationships with donors such as the Sanford Alumni Association, Sanford Institution for Savings, Atlantic Federal Credit Union and the Genest Foundation.
“Under the direction of the board, myself and Gwen or David Jagger spoke to local companies about our efforts and ways they could support us,” said Lampert, who served as the director of the Adult Education Program in Sanford then. “It was truly a collaborative effort. None of it would be possible without the efforts of everyone on the board at that time.”
“I strongly believe children and their education is critical as we are responsible for maintaining a nation of well-educated and motivated people so that all may have a quality of life that is satisfying for them and future generations,” said the Rev. Susan Murphy, who joined the board in 2022. “Children need to know that the community values them and wants to maintain a quality of education and care that provides security, a system of values respecting each of their talents and providing additional skill development that brings not only financial advantages but a satisfying life.”
Our board of top professionals in their fields meets monthly to discuss school needs and funding opportunities. Our board includes school administrators, such as Superintendent Matt Nelson, and educators, such as Teacher Diana Allen, local business owners, such as Mark Patterson, and parent leaders, such as Melissa Simpson and Sarah Ouellette.
The nonprofit is funded by donations as well as paid naming opportunities. Classrooms throughout the district are available and may be named in a loved one’s honor or memory for $1,000, for example, or the arts and communications wing of the new school for $100,000. The Legacy Foundation is renewing the call to “Love the Legacy” in February and consider donations in personal planned giving or as part of companies’ charitable giving.
“Providing additional resources to advance the education of our children beyond what taxpayers are asked to contribute through local and state resources enables more opportunities for personal growth and development,” said Murphy.
Interested in donating but not sure where to start? The Sanford Schools Legacy Foundation can help — it’s a community nonprofit specifically established for this sole purpose!
“When you give to the Foundation, you are investing in the future of our students and our community by enhancing educational opportunities that may not otherwise be possible through taxpayer support,” said Williams. “When you give, you open up possibilities for the next generation in Sanford.”
So how can you help?
• Name a classroom or a playing field in a loved one’s honor
• Give a gift of gratitude, to honor or memorialize a loved one
• Leave a legacy and name us in your will
• Join our board and help us decide the future of giving in Sanford!