January 2 kicked off Quince Orchard High School’s third annual Mulch Sale. This is the Booster Club’s biggest fundraiser. In 2006, proceeds increased 20 percent compared to 2005.

The profits from the sale will fund ongoing Cougar Dome maintenance. “Whether it is tractor maintenance, aerating the field or fertilization, this fundraiser is exclusively for the stadium field,” said Committee Chairman of the Mulch Sale Mark Starnes. After a field renovation in the summer of 2006, more sports events have taken place on the field, requiring greater upkeep and care.

The sale reaches both the QOHS and local community. All customers receive a tax deduction because the Booster Club is a 501(c)(3) corporation: a federal designation granted to charitable, non-profit, religious and educational institutions. Fifty percent of each purchase covers the cost of the mulch, while the remaining money is donated to the school.

Three-cubic-foot bags of shredded hardwood mulch cost five dollars each.

To order mulch, fill out a mulch form located on the QOHS website under Boosters, then mail it to the Booster Club at QOHS. The sale continues until March 11. Orders received by then are guaranteed free delivery on March 15.

Starnes said, “Volunteers earn community service hours and, for helping out, will get donuts, pizzas and sodas.”