With new Snohomish County Health Department regulations in effect, the Mountlake Terrace High School Sports Booster Club (SBC) found themselves in a $4,500 dilemma; but thanks to a grant from a Washington state bank, the club will be able to feed plenty of hungry sports fans and keep a vital source of revenue flowing into the organization.

On Monday, April 21, Sound Community Bank presented the MTHS SBC a check for $4,500, money to be used to purchase a new refrigerator/freezer for the concession stand used during Terrace home basketball games, volleyball and wrestling matches, and various other events. The concession stand raises approximately $15,000 each year for various booster club programs, such as the Athlete Need Fund, the Mike Watson Scholarship, team equipment and fee payments, and various club expenses.

The county health department informed the booster club last fall that the school’s concession stand no longer met newly-adopted standards for such facilities. To comply with the new requirements, the school district installed a three-compartment sink and a separate hand washing station in the stand, but the final upgrade needed was a new commercial grade refrigerator/freezer.

“We were going to be in danger of not being able to open the concession stand for the 2014-2015 school year,” explained SBC Chair Tara Zuehl.

Sports Booster Club member Ruthie Smith started the ball rolling on seeking a grant from her employer, Sound Community Bank. The grant request was approved and on Monday representatives from the Mountlake Terrace branch of bank presented a check to booster club members.

“Their funding has really enabled the continuation of being able to provide the Athlete Need Fund, scholarships and most importantly, continue to be an avenue for the members to raise much needed funds to support decreasing budgets through the concession stand,” said Zuehl.