At the midway point of the Golden Bear/Sandstoner Foundation Face-Off 2011, the Canton Golden Bear Education Foundation is leading the challenge against its longtime rivals from Potsdam.

Canton is outpacing the Sandstoner Foundation 73 donations to 45 donations with two weeks remaining in the Face-Off.

The Canton Golden Bear Education Foundation and the Potsdam Sandstoner Foundation began the Golden Bear/Sandstoner Foundation Face-Off 2011 on Jan. 26. Each foundation reports receiving more than $2,000 in donations thus far. The competition will see which foundation can boast the highest number of donations from alumni and community members by Feb. 28.

“We’re off to a good start, but there are two big weeks remaining,” said Canton Golden Bear Education Foundation President Evan Poole. “I encourage all of our supporters to be sure to donate before the close of the contest to insure a Golden Bear victory and the additional $500 that goes with it.”

North Country Savings Bank generously started the giving by pledging $500 to each foundation. The foundation with the most donors during the challenge will claim bragging rights as well as an additional $500 prize offered by an anonymous donor. Gifts of any size count towards the challenge.

Alumni and friends from both schools are encouraged to visit their respective foundation’s Facebook or website pages (links below). Donations can be made online or in person at a North Country Savings Bank location in Potsdam or Canton, or by check through the mail.

“They’ve jumped out to the early lead, but we’re hoping for a big rally in the final two weeks,” said Sandstoner Foundation Vice President Dan Hayes. “I’m counting on Sandstoner Pride to shine through with many more donations. Every dollar we raise will go to this year's PCS seniors to help with college costs and to recognize their hard work."

The Sandstoner Foundation, established in 2000, has provided more than $170,000 in awards and scholarships to graduating seniors at Potsdam High School who are continuing their education by attending college or entering the military. The Sandstoner Foundation has 23 named scholarships and awards which are given out each year and are funded by generous contributions made by families, friends, and community members.

The Canton Golden Bear Education Foundation was established in 2008 to accept and administer gifts for charitable purposes, providing enrichment and enhancement of education programs and opportunities for students, by securing and distributing financial and other resources for the Canton Central School District and its students. Donations can be targeted directly to areas such as academics, arts and music, athletics and extracurricular activities, or unrestricted funds.

To find out more about the Golden Bear/Sandstoner Foundation Face-Off, visit one of these Web sites or find either foundation on Facebook:

http://www.potsdam.k12.ny.us/sandstonerfoundation/

http://www.gbfound.org/

Donors wishing to donate via check to the Sandstoner Foundation can mail it to Potsdam Sandstoner Foundation, PO Box 264, Potsdam, NY 13676. To donate via check to the Canton Golden Bear Education Foundation, mail it to Canton Golden Bear Education Foundation, PO Box 174, Canton, NY 13617