| Former Holly Athletes Establish Scholarship Fund to Honor Coach Raffin |
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Now a business executive in Atlanta, Georgia, Flanigan remembers his high school years under the tutelage of “Coach Raff” with great admiration and affection. He recalls the way Coach Raff influenced his life and helped him become a successful business leader, husband and father. “I first wanted to do something to honor Coach Raffin,” said Flanigan. “He was such a positive influence in my life and a great role model. I wanted to honor him in a way that I believe is very important to all young people – education – and also give back to my hometown.” So Flanigan contacted a few friends from his alma mater and together they established the Coach Raffin Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. All were members of the 1976 Holly High School cross country team: John Buckley, Billy Ballard, Roger Coleman and Jeff Lewis. “We look forward to someday granting a scholarship to a college-bound Holly High School senior who embodies the values instilled by Coach Raffin – hard work, perseverance and a positive mental attitude,” said Flanigan. “And we invite others to join with us and honor Coach Raffin by making a contribution.” John Buckley, an attorney in Chicago, Illinois has fond memories of Coach Raffin. Buckley admits he wasn’t the team’s fastest runner, and at times found that frustrating. Coach Raff encouraged “Buck” to search his soul for how he could best contribute to the team. Buckley found ways to help his team and says Coach Raff’s advice had a significant impact not only during that State Championship cross country season, but in life. To honor Coach Raffin, Buckley donated $1,000 personally and made an additional donation in honor of the 1977 State Championship Cross Country Team. He urges other Harrier teams to reconnect, share memories of Coach Raff and make contributions to the Scholarship Fund. “If you ran for Raff, you were special,” said Buckley. “He proved it time and time again by molding ordinary individuals into great runners.” Jeff Lewis, an executive with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, echoes that same sentiment. Lewis planned on playing baseball but was persuaded by Coach Raffin to try out for the cross country team. “Raffin’s ability to convince people to just try provided a wealth of talent that was the foundation for many successful Holly track and cross country teams,” Lewis said. “His influence helped me find and develop my talents.” Lewis still holds the Holly Harrier record for the 880 yard run. As for Coach Raffin, he is humbled by the Scholarship Fund established in his name. An English teacher for 31 years and a coach for 38 years – all at Holly High School – he retired in 1999 but remains an active volunteer in the Holly track and cross country programs. “This is a good thing because many students will benefit from the academic scholarship in the future,” Coach Raffin said. “I’ve always been proud of our athletes and this gesture is very humbling.” Flanigan hopes others will consider a gift to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint Coach Raffin Scholarship Fund. The fundraising goal is $100,000 and the outreach effort includes a new website, www.friendsofcoachraffin.com that features photos, comments and memories of Coach Raffin. To date, $15,000 has been raised for the Scholarship Fund. “As you go on in your life, think about the positive influence Coach Raffin had on you and consider ways that you can give back,” Flanigan said. Checks are to be made payable to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint with “Coach Raffin Scholarship Fund” noted in the memo line. Please mail all contributions to: Community Foundation of Greater Flint Online contributions may be made at www.cfgf.org. For additional information on ways to give, contact Sandra Murphy, the Community Foundation’s Director of Donor Services, at (810) 767-8270. |
