The Perry Hy-Vee sponsored a fundraising event for the Dewey Field renovations Friday that featured a cookout, music by the PHS Pep Band, a silent auction and activities for adults and children.
The highlight of the evening fundraiser came at 5:30 p.m., when Perry Hy-Vee Store Director Matt Rohe presented a $10,000 donation check for the Dewey Field makeover to the Perry High School Foundation in support of the $3.2 million project.
Perry Community School District Superintendent Clark Wicks and PCSD Student Activities Director Tom Lipovac accepted the donation on behalf of the PHS Foundation. Phase one of the project is now underway, with construction of a new entrance, concession building, restrooms, bleachers and press box at a cost of $1,065,000.
Wicks said the fundraising efforts have so far generated about $130,000, including donations from Raccoon Valley Bank, 21st Century Rehab, the Bock Family Foundation Inc. and many private donors.
The project was kickstarted with a gift of $350,000 — matched by the district — from the VanKirk family of Perry in honor of the late Pete VanKirk.
Wicks said once the $250,000 fundraising goal is reached, the VanKirk family has offered to provide an additional $75,000 in matching funds. The fundraising committee seeks 1,000 Bluejays — alumni, fans or community-minded persons — to contribute to the three-phase renovation.
Go Big, Go Blue, the Hotel Pattee’s fundraiser for Dewey Field, will be held Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m., featuring silent and live auctions and samples from the new menu at David’s Diner. Tickets are $25.
