Providing a safer playing environment by providing players with quality equipment is always the top tier goal of Colfax High football coach Tony Martello and his Falcons grid program.

And being able to generate funds for the purchase and maintaining of top notch equipment is one of the primary reasons for the football team’s big 5th Annual Tailgate-Auction set for next month here in Colfax.

With school budgets being cut drastically around the state and athletic teams basically down to the bare bone minimums when it comes to being part of their respective athletic budgets, fundraisers like the upcoming Aug. 14 event can be vital to running a sports program.

“One of the biggest items in our budget is equipment for our football players,” said Martello. “We’ve had some cuts just like a lot of the other sports so this year we’re counting on the tailgate party event to help us for the upcoming season.”

The 5th annual benefit event is set for Saturday August 14th, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Living War Memorial Park in Colfax. The annual tailgate function is designed for the entire Colfax community to get together, eat dinner and support the football players and coaches.

The afternoon/evening starts off with socializing and snacking while tailgaters can browse around the Silent Auction tables. Dinner will be barbecued tri-tip, chicken, and all the sides.

The evening then moves into the auction portion with Martello handling the announcing duties. The entire time there will be a deejay providing a great background soundtrack. Following the live auction ends, dancing under the stars begins.

Expected to be part of the live auction are golf packages, gift certificates, dinner packages, gift baskets, parking and sideline passes at Colfax High football games and sporting event tickets.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets ($25 per person) to the event or providing a donation to the live or silent auction can do so by contacting Colfax High Football Boosters President Glenn Young at (530) 346-7223 or (530) 400-6008.