By JASON CAMPBELL 

 The Bulletin

The Manteca High band boosters did the same thing Thursday that they always do when there’s a home football game.

They stocked the snack bar at Guss Schmiedt Field and got ready for a long night of slinging sodas and hot dogs in the hopes of raising enough money to supplement the school’s growing music program.

But when boosters arrived at the stadium Friday afternoon they discovered that a thief had broken the lock and stolen all of the food, a pair of ice chests and the drink tub that they use to keep everything cold for the parents and students that support them with their wallets.

“It’s a big hit for us,” said Holly Tolman – who, even though her son graduated last year, is still active with the boosters. “It’s one of the biggest fundraisers that the boosters have and we probably tonight won’t clear enough to cover what it cost to get everything back up and running.”

The group ended up spending just under $400 at Costco Friday afternoon repurchasing everything they needed for a home football game.

In two previous games this season, Tolman said, the group cleared about $700 in profit.

The money raised helps to pay for uniforms, travel and entry fees, instruments and instrument repair as well as any additional training that students may receive throughout the year.  Holman said that Manteca High’s band program has grown from just over 20 students when she got involved to nearly 100 today.

Over the summer a thief broke into the snack bar and stripped out copper wire, but repairs were made when the school year started back up again. Holman believes that whoever perpetrated Thursday night’s theft had to have been familiar with their schedule.

“It’s just unfortunate and it’s the kids that lose out in the end,” she said.

Anybody wishing to make donations, or offer any information about the theft, can contact Manteca High School at (209) 858-7340.