The final tally for the fundraising auction for the new Grand Junction Community Center a week ago was a whopping $18,773.50, despite uncooperative weather.
Among those named in a long list of folks to thank is Pat Fagen, who insisted that a large tent be part of the planning. The Greene County Fair Association lent a tent, and Pat found a set-up crew – Bud Fagen, Grand Junction city employees, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank employees, and Dustin Fouch and his crew. See the Facebook page for the whole list!
Organizer Diane Wise estimates about 200 people attended the auction, which finished inside the big tent. Highlights included Grand Junction mayor Jerry Herrick’s purchase of a Lincoln Highway sign for $2,100, and Jan Scharingson’s purchase of a large rock for $1,000.
For folks who couldn’t attend the auction, there are still a couple dozen left of the 90 bait boxes. Wise is selling them for a minimum donation of $5 each. The origin of the boxes wasn’t known that evening. Updated information is that Jack Eaton lived in Grand Junction and made catfish bait in his home to sell. Call Wise at 515-370-1675 to buy one.
“I am so very thankful to the many people who made this happen with their donations of personal items, their time setting things up the day of the auction, and those who purchased items,” Wise said. “It really showed a community, a county, coming together for a common cause. With continued donations, the new community center will become a reality.”
The next fundraiser to benefit the new Grand Junction Community Center is a pancake brunch served by the Grand Junction Lions Club in the city park Sunday, Sept. 14. From 8 am to 1 pm the Lions will be dishing up their famous 7-UP pancakes with sausage and beverages. All proceeds will go to the Community Center building fund.
Wise said the fundraising committee is “kicking around” other fundraising ideas, with a Holiday Tour of Lights on the list of possibilities.
