The Flags over Perry project, a joint effort by the Perry Lions Club and the Perry Optimists Club to bring Old Glory to every yard, is starting its third year, and the results are more red, white and blue with each passing holiday.
Proceeds from the fundraising project support charitable activities by the two service organizations, with the Lions naturally taking the lion’s share of 75 percent and the Optimists receiving 25 percent, a division mirroring the labor contribution of each club.
Perry Lions Club member Lou Hoger presented a check for $1,135 to the Perry Optimists Wednesday morning. Accepting the funds on behalf of the Perry Optimists was Optimist Club member and Great Western Bank Personal Banking Representative Courtney Straker.
The Optimists reacted positively Tuesday to the news of the successful 2017 Flag over Perry campaign.
“That’s great!” said Optimist Trish Roberts.
“Awesome!” said Optimist Misty VonBehren.
“Great news!” said former Optimist Club President Dr. Randy McCaulley.
Optimist Club President Jenny Eklund said she would send “an email to the Lions Club to show appreciation or thank you for sharing the flag project with us. If our membership keeps growing, the opportunity to take on more of the flag project is an easy task.”
The Flags over Perry program raised more than 250 flags on Veterans Day this year.
The patriotic program is still accepting new participants. For a $25 annual fee, the civic groups will install a flag holder in the yard and raise the flag on five federal holidays: Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
For more information, call the Lions Club at 515-465-3391 or the Optimist Club at 515-465-4222.
