California high school champions’ fireworks fundraiser takes major hit from thieves

The Central High School track and field program’s Fourth of July fireworks fundraiser lost $60,000 in merchandise to thieves, the Grizzlies coach said Sunday evening.

Coach Cedric Pulliam said theives broke into a storage container sometime between Friday when the fireworks were delivered and Saturday afternoon when Pulliam returned. The stand is located in the West Shaw Avenue Costco parking lot.

The Fresno high school has 130 athletes in its track and field program, Pulliam said. The Grizzlies are coming off winning the California boys team championship at the state meet at Buchanan high Memorial Day weekend.

Pulliam said fireworks sales are the program’s main fundraiser helping pay for things like hotels for out-of-town meets, water and snacks at meets, practice gear, team banquet, senior gifts and other needs.

By Sunday evening, Pulliam said the program was almost able to cover its loss.

This story was originally published July 3, 2022 at 9:52 PM.