Hundreds of Perry sports boosters attended Friday night’s Go Big, Go Blue fundraiser for the Dewey Field renovation project at the Hotel Pattee.
Organizers hope the event marks a big step toward the $250,000 fundraising goal for the $3.2 million renovation project. Phase one of the project, expected to be completed in time for the fall football season, includes a new entrance, concession building, restrooms, bleachers and a press box, with a price tag of $1,065,000.
“This isn’t just about football or about cheerleading,” said 23-year PHS Principal Dan Marburger, addressing the festive audience. “This is about everybody, all the students, the whole community.”
PCSD Student Activities Director Tom Lipovac, in his 40th year at PHS, recalled the sports enthusiasts of yore who are memorialized in the renovation project, including Ralph Dewey, the working man after whom the field was named, Jim Kaufman, the high school history teacher who gave his name to the track, longtime Daily Chief sports reported Harold Bailey and Perry philanthropist and sports support Dallas “Pete” VanKirk.
Go Big, Go Blue attendees fortified themselves for the evening starting at 6 p.m. with a generous selection from the Hotel Pattee’s new menu. Bidding was fast and furious during the live auction, with caller Amy Rathje pulling down top dollar for the items.
The fundraising event was the brainchild of Hotel Pattee owner Tom Maxwell and PCSD Superintendent Clark Wicks. Tickets were $25 and included food, drink and a chance to bid at both live and silent auctions. Local songster Brendan McKnight played a free show in support of the Dewey Field rehab.
Also available were raffle tickets for a handmade Bluejay quilt made by Linda Andorf. The quilt will be making appearances throughout the spring and summer at various events and will be awarded at the Dewey Field dedication ceremonies in late August. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10.
Silent auction items included:
- Two tickets to Iowa State vs. Oklahoma football game Sept. 15 plus a $50 Wing Stop gift certificate — Courtesy Raccoon Valley Bank
- Three pork loins and seasonings (2 offerings) — Courtesy Tyson
- Beef certificates ($50) and an Iowa Hawkeye cast iron skillet with pot holders — Courtesy Boone County Cattleman’s Association and Progressive Foundry
- Beef certificates ($50) and an Iowa State iron skillet with pot holders — Courtesy Boone County Cattleman’s Association and Progressive Foundry
- Artwork — Courtesy Betsy Peterson
- Gift certificate and basket from Tammy Cakes — Courtesy Tammy Benedict
- Golf package including 18 holes of golf and cart rental — Courtesy Perry Golf and Country Club
- Perry Car Wash package and child’s toy — Courtesy Clean Works Auto Wash
- Perry Dog Wash certificate and fun pet gift basket — Courtesy Clean Works Auto Wash
- Third Street Suites basket with one-night stay — Courtesy Bethany Wicks
- Iowa and Iowa State handmade decor — Courtesy Linda Andorf
- Car detailing — Courtesy Ketelsen’s
- LPN golf package of 18 holes and cart rental — Courtesy Lake Panorama National
- Mani and Pedi basket — Courtesy Vivi Nails
- One room, one night stay at the Woodward Tressel Inn — Courtesy Sandy Grubbs
- Homemade live edge wood bench — Courtesy Walton Tree Service and The Home Doctor
- Dinner and movie for four — Courtesy Casa de Oro and Grand Theater
- Donut package — Courtesy Hy-Vee
- Dinner for eight along with a sunset cruise on Lake Panorama, hosted by Darek and Carol VanKirk
- $500 worth of legal services — Courtesy of attorney John Bouslog
- Coffee basket — Courtesy of Perry Perk
Live auction items included:
- Chef’s Table for party of 10 at Hotel Pattee
- Fishing Excursion with Scott Seeley package
- Iowa State RV Tailgate and five tickets to Oct. 13 game against West Virginia, hosted by Kyle and Mindy Baxter
- Five-day vacation in a beautiful Bella Vista, Ark., townhouse — Courtesy Rich and Juda Saemisch
- $500 of state quarters, uncirculated $10 rolls from each state — Courtesy Raccoon Valley Bank
- Perry Bluejay Special Fan Press Box package for four, including special parking
- RV family weekend retreat — Courtesy McKee Auto and RV Center
- Bluejay Student “Service For a Day” auction. Need help on a project? Bid on our kids! — Courtesy Football, Jayette Track and TSA students.
