The Perry Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual dinner and celebration Tuesday, April 2 at La Poste to celebrate the successes of 2018, recognize nominees and recipients of three awards and to kick off the annual fundraising efforts for the Fourth of July fireworks.
A newcomer to the “sweet” list of generous donors, Harvey’s at Hotel Pattee, was a notable favorite, with three out of their four donations bringing in more than $400 each. Their “Death by Chocolate” cake, with a stunning “galaxy” mirror glaze, brought in the highest bid of the night at $530, thanks to Backwards Boutique.
A final bid of $420 by Raccoon Valley Bank won their white almond cake, and Tom Maxwell won their sweet potato cake with a bid of $410. A strawberry pie from Mary Carris brought in $420, thanks to Julie Scheib and Jenny Eklund. A caramel apple pie by Perry Fareway also made the list of top earning pies, thanks to J. P. Hulgan and his $400 winning bid.
The live pie auction raised a total of $4,745 from the 18 donated pies — $1,000 more than last year’s auction — thanks to the previously mentioned bidders, plus Eddie Diaz, Walter Aviation, Danny Splendore, Carol VanKirk, Harper Rose’s Floral and Gifts, Nevitt Realty, Lee Coons, Erin Butler, Lisa Widick, Finneseth, Dalen and Powell PLC and Livy’s Seed and Warehouse.
This would, of course, not be possible without the dessert donors, which also included Perry Hy-Vee, Raccoon Valley Bank, J. P. Hulgan, Marilyn Pentico, Tammy Benedict, the Perry Chief, Geneen Tibben, Dallas County Hospital and Ben’s Five and Dime.
An additional $625 was raised from a silent auction, which was a new activity at the Chamber’s annual dinner. The Backwards Boutique package brought in $290, thanks to Bethany Wicks, along with items by Betsy Peterson Designs, Harper Rose’s Floral and Gifts, Perry Perk, Mary Rose Collection, Salvaged Soul and Swan Antics, thanks to winning bidders Dan Spellman, Sally Spellman, Trista Cohea, Betsy Peterson and Misty Von Behren.
The grand total of raised funds for the Fourth of July fireworks at the Perry Chamber’s annual dinner was $5,370. Last year’s Fourth of July fireworks display cost $12,500. With the goal of raising enough money for a similar display in 2019, the Perry Chamber will lead additional fundraising efforts this spring, including a Grocery Bill Round-Up the week before Memorial Day.
For more information or to donate to the Fireworks Drive, contact the Perry Chamber of Commerce at 515-465-4601.
