Friday’s Class 3A District 2 battle at Dewey Field will pit Perry (2-4, 1-3) against No. 6 Webster City (5-1, 3-1).
In the parlance of sports, “battle” is one of any number of metaphors used to describe games, matches or contests.
In reality, few battles are as difficult as the daily lives of many returning veterans. Whether facing mobility issues or dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), some veterans have difficulty readjusting to civilian life.
One of the charitable organizations helping those veterans is the Urbandale-based Puppy Jake Foundation, which provides service and companion dogs to those who qualify.
The Perry football team will be devoting Friday’s contest to lending a helping hand to the charity.
“Just about every sport has a ‘Cancer Night’ and we wanted to do something different,” Perry sophomore gridder Kaleb Olejniczak said. “We wanted to have an ‘America’ themed night and decided to tie it to helping Puppy Jake. I think what they do is great, and especially that they manage to do it and remain non-profit.”
Olejniczak created a power-point production introducing the charity and their work. He and other team members divided into groups and visited every Connections (advisory) class at PHS, thus reaching the entire student body with the story of Puppy Jake and what they do.
Training for the dogs can take as long as two years. Veterans must apply to be granted a dog, and the application process is the only cost for the vet.
However, the intensive training can cost as much as $20,000 per dog, with corporate and private donations footing the bill.
As part of the celebration, a veteran and his or her Puppy Jake dog will serve as honorary captains for the game.
Fans are asked to dress in patriotic colors for Friday’s game in keeping with the patriotic theme. T-shirts and sweatshirts will be sold, with Puppy Jake to receive a portion of the proceeds. The Perry cheerleaders, buckets in hand, will do a 60-second cash dash at the end of the first quarter to collect donations.
Those wishing to directly donate an item for the dogs themselves may purchase any of the following items from the Puppy Jake wish list:
Kong Classic or Sumo (small, medium and large)
Kong Classic for puppies
Kong Dental rubber toys (small, medium and large)
DuraChew Nylabone Puppy Chew double action toys
DuraChew Nylabone (medium and large)
6′ x 5/8″ leash (black or red)
Collars
-Small 10″ to 14″, 5/8″ wide (black or red)
-Medium 12″ x 20″, 3/4″ to 1″ wide (black or red)
-Large 16″ x 28″, 1″ wide (black or red)
Any of the above, or any donation, can be dropped off at the Perry High School office until 3 p.m. Friday. Donations may also be made at a stand located next to the admission gate before the game.
The frosh/soph game will begin at 4:45 p.m. with the varsity contest to kick off at 7:30 p.m.
For more information about the Puppy Jake Foundation, call 515-777-2837 or 515-419-1858 or write to P.O. Box 12220, Des Moines, IA 50312.
