Ashby gesture a boost to Sandpoint football

SANDPOINT — Due in part to a generous gesture from Sandpoint resident Claudia Ashby, the Sandpoint football car raffle was a smashing success.

Ashby, who had never won anything before, purchased just one $5 ticket while having some work done at Martin’s Automotive Center. It ultimately proved to be the winning ticket for a 1972 Dodge Dart Swinger in the annual Sandpoint football raffle.

After the initial excitement from winning, she stated she had no real use for the car and offered to sell it back to the organization for the original cost of the car. Thanks to Ashby, the SHS football program now has a car all ready to go for next year’s Lost in the 50’s show, a huge load off the minds of a lot of great community donors and volunteer workers.

This grateful and kind lady also donated a large portion of her car money back to the Sandpoint football program. Ashby did this because she was so impressed with a talk that coach Satini Puailoa had given at her church.

The gesture reflects the gratitude and support the community members show in regards to the youth in the Greater Sanpoint area, and the money goes straight to new equipment.

SHS players and Sandpoint Junior Tackle football teams sold more than $53,000 worth of raffle tickets in three weeks. A huge thank you must go out to Carolyn Gleason and the Lost in the '50s weekend, as half of the tickets were sold during this time.

Raffle organizers wished to thank the Bob Hovanski of AutoHaus-CarQuest, who donated the paint as well as products to paint the car. Hovanski has been helping for years to produce a professionally painted car. He is a wonderful example of the individuals who help out the youth of this community. Thanks again Bob from all of the football players and coaches.

Additionally, the following businesses need to be acknowledged as businesses that purchased 100 raffle tickets from players, as part of the business incentive. We extend our appreciation to Taylor and Sons Chevrolet, Kendon Perry, Les Schwab and Kevin Johnson, dentist. The support these businesses provide to area football kids is outstanding.

Lastly, thanks to the ladies who kept track of the kids, the money and the coaches in order to make sure everything was accounted for and legal. They are Sam Jeffres, Deana Raynor, Arlene Mitton, Melissa Irish, Michele Bristow, Tina Magro, Kelly Merrill, Nichol Timothy, Terry McGuirk, Sylvia Kappen and the lady that keeps us all on the right track, Judy Perry. Without these great women we could not have accomplished all that has been done. So a great big Bulldog cheer goes out to all these moms.

Both football staffs wish to thank all those who purchased a ticket and we welcome you to the Bulldog Nation. Come see a game this fall and realize that all the money raised, after expenses, goes straight to the players’ equipment needs of each team.