WHS Warriors raise needed funds for community outreach

Post date: Feb 23, 2017 4:50:45 PM

On February 8th, the Wells High School Warriors Boys Basketball Team presented a check for $1,422 to the Wells-Ogunquit Outreach Program. This presentation was made during halftime at a home game with the Poland Regional High School Knights.

This marks the fifth year that the team has raised funds for this charity largely by going door-to-door to sell $10 “cash calendars” that offer monthly chances to win one of many gift certificates donated by local restaurants. Money was also raised when parents of teammates held a bake and food sale at a Wells Rec basketball game in January. A grand prize of two tickets to a Celtics game donated by Sevigney Insurance was also raffled to raise this donation.

According to the Warriors Coach, Troy Brown, his team has raised $12,000 for this cause in the past five years.

Accepting the check on the 8th was one of the volunteers with the Outreach Program former teacher and children’s librarian Diana Abbott. According to Abbott her organization focuses on providing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and gift certificates to those in need during the holiday season. Abbott says she focuses primarily on the needs of school children in the Wells-Ogunquit CSD. An example would be providing school supplies for children in homeless situations.

During the check presentation, Abbot spoke briefly following some loud applause to thank all who helped with the fundraiser including, as she referred to them as, “all these wonderful Warriors”. She also commented on how the money will help others in special situations.

“Whenever we get a call it is just so nice to be able to have this reserve so that we can say ‘yes’ (to them),” said Abbott. Yes, to a child that needs glasses or yes to one who is homeless and needs new clothing. “Those calls come often,” she added.

Accepting a ceremonial check from the Warriors Boys Basketball Team on behalf of the Wells-Ogunquit Outreach Program is community volunteer Diana Abbott. Team members in photo: front row (l to r) Christian Saulnier (with red shirt and headband), Deandre Woods, Owen Berry, Riley Dempsey, Tyler Dewey. Back Row (l to r): Dylan Whitney, Matt Sherburne, Keegan Reidy, Channing Wang, Cam Cousins, and Tyler Bridge.