Memorial Field fundraiser is a simply 'grand' achievement

How amazing.

In less than six hours, this community pulled together and raised more than $50,000 to fix the grandstands at Memorial Field.

Wow.

Everyone from Sandpoint High School students and former grads to area business and civic leaders pitched in and made what was billed as a 24-hour marathon fundraiser into a whopping success.

Organizers promised to stay at the field as long as they had to in order to raise the minimum $30,000 needed to repair the aging grandstands. They were even willing to camp out overnight and had a tent pitched near the grandstands just in case.

All funds will go toward repairs at the field, and once the grandstands are fixed, the next item slated for repairs is the sound system.

From noon on, Panhandle State Bank commercial loan officers Anita Porter and Hugh Gavin were burning through the minutes on their cell phones as they called everyone they could think of to secure pledges.

Litehouse set up an ice cream stand and gave away ice cream in exchange for donations to fix the grandstands.

Oh yeah — both businesses also walked the walk and donated $10,000 each to the cause.

SHS cross country team members washed cars and the student council cooked hot dogs and hamburgers.

"This is probably the most unique, special place to play," said former SHS grad Angie Brass, in between washing cars with her husband, Matt.

In high school, Angie Brass said she took Memorial Field for granted. The couple recently moved back to the area and, when they heard about the fundraiser, immediately volunteered their time to help out.

They wanted, she said, to be part of a community effort to ensure others have the same chance to play at one of the most special places to play high school sports and attend community events.

They weren't the only ones.

SHS athletes and students, Festival at Sandpoint board members, community and business leaders and those who donated — each and every one — should be very, very proud of themselves at this moment.

Together, we defined community and have made a positive difference in the world.

How often do you get the chance to do something like that?

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of The Daily Bee.