Special Olympics Swim Team Gets $10K After New Store Opening

SEABROOK, NH — Last week, Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses opened its first New Hampshire store in Seabrook at the Seacoast Shopping Center, next door to Ocean State Job Lot. Both store chains celebrated by making a $10,000 donation – $5K each – to the Special Olympics New Hampshire Manchester Sharks swim team. Nick and Ron Cardi, partners of Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses, were joined by David Sarlitto, executive director of Ocean State Job Lot/Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation to make the presentation in memory of the late Frank Bourque, a Raymond resident who was a valued employee of Ocean State Job Lot, serving most recently as director of real estate development and construction for the Seabrook store, according to a press statement.

Bourque’s daughter, Katie, is a member of the Manchester Sharks swim team. She and her mother, Sandy, had the honor of cutting the ribbon during the ceremony which also featured the dedication of an outdoor bench and wall plaques commemorating Frank Bourque’s life.

Sarlitto stated that the Sharks would also be receiving custom-made jerseys and pool towels personalized with each team member’s name.

“We know how important watching Katie and her friends compete in swim meets was to Frank,” stated Sarlitto. “He would be proud to know that the team will be outfitted in style and not have to worry about fundraising for some time.”

Sewn into the neck tag will be the inscription, “In memory of Frank Bourque” on each shirt.

“Frank was a great construction manager and a friend,” Ron Cardi stated. “The bench and plaques are a permanent testament to his hard work and dedication in making this building renovation happen, and we are forever grateful.”

Captions: Sharks donation: Unidentified Shopper; Sandy Bourque; David Sarlitto, Nick Cardi, Katie Bourque, Ron Cardi, Mary Conroy; Ribbon cutting: Nick Cardi, Dan Innis, Katie Bourque, Ron Cardi, Theresa Kyle, William Manzi, Rusty Bridle, David Sarlitto; Sharks and friends: Nick Cardi, Dan Innis, William Manzi, Katie Bourque,Theresa Kyle, Ron Cardi, Aboul Khan, Rusty Bridle, David Sarlitto, Sandy Bourque, Mary Conroy. Images via Elizabeth Kelley