Saranac Central soccer teams raised $15,450 for Alexis Fund

SARANAC | Each year, seniors in Saranac Central School's soccer program choose a way to give back to the community. Athletes on all teams, modified to varsity, raise funds throughout the soccer season. They hold coin drops, host a phone-a-thon, sell jerseys and set up coin collections at the soccer field gates. Coordinated by Coach Renee Castine and Head Coach Amber Liberty, the seniors come up with a jersey design to honor the beneficiary, a shirt to show community support. This year, their shirts were purple with a big paw print set on a soccer ball, because they chose the Alexis Fund, a financial legacy of love and kindness at the Saranac Veterinary Clinic, a few miles from the school. The Alexis Fund is dedicated to the memory of pet champion Alexis Bouyea, whose young life was lost in a tragic car accident on Jan. 4, 2023. Purple was her favorite color. The legacy fund in her name helps defray the cost of emergency and otherwise unexpected veterinary care at the Saranac clinic, where she helped with the animals. Alexis's parents Scott and Kim Bouyea, joined veterinarian Dr. Amanda Lutzy to receive a total $15,450. For the students, the benefit supports for both pets and their loving owners who might welcome a little help in times of need. "The Alexis Fund is just so special," said 8th-grade student Julia Ryan. "It's so hard when families face difficult decisions with veterinary care. And I love animals so much." "This fund helps families afford care for their pets when they need help," said teammate Alyse Liberty. Senior athlete Eric Glover said they chose a local benefit this year because, every so often, friends and neighbors need a little financial support. "Sometimes people struggle to afford veterinary care and this also can save animals' lives." Coach Liberty said it was important to the kids to choose a local benefit this year. "Fundraising does a lot of teambuilding in the process. We get together and make posters and plan activities. We take it on as an entire program and as a community," the coach said. "We are so proud of them. It's the highlight of the soccer program, no matter how our season goes. "We just want to say thank you to Alexis's parents." Alexis Fund proceeds were announced with several student representatives from each team presenting their season's effort to Mr. and Mrs. Bouyea and Dr. Lutzy. Lutzy shared a story about how Alexis' Fund recently supported emergency surgery for a cat who had internal injuries. "And the cat's doing great. There are countless stories just like that," she said. "We are able to save animals' lives and in turn support their owners' lives, because people love their pets. "We appreciate this so much. Thank you, kids, for everything you do. I'm a very proud Saranacer, having grown up here, too." The students gathered around the Spartan backdrop for a group photo full of smiles. Legacy support for Alexis was deeply felt by Mr. and Mrs. Bouyea. "It's absolutely amazing," Kim said. "It is her legacy. It was all about animals with her." For the Bouyeas, celebrating their daughter's life through an ongoing community resource is very meaningful. "We want people to talk about her and remember her and what she believed in. We are very proud of the Saranac students." For Coach Castine, the lesson goes beyond team training, great footwork or a season's wins and losses. "They learn that you can take care of one another," she said, brushing away tears. Mr. Bouyea made sure to thank each student with a handshake or a hug. Both of Alexis's parents deeply felt the outpouring of team kindness and Saranac Central School community support. "I really appreciate it," Mr. Bouyea said. "The community and the kids." The 3rd annual Alexis Fund Cornhole Tournament fundraiser will be held early next year at the Peru Memorial VFW Post 309, Kim said. It is scheduled for Jan. 24.

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Saranac Central soccer teams raised $15,450 for Alexis Fund

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