The first phase of the renovations at Dewey Field and Kaufman Track received a big boost Friday morning when the Raccoon Valley Bank in Perry donated $25,000 to the Perry High School Foundation in support of the $3.2 million project.
The Perry Community School District Board of Directors accepted bids of $1,065,000 in February for Phase One construction, including a new entrance, concession building, restrooms, bleachers and a press box.
“We’re tickled to get this generous donation from Raccoon Valley Bank,” said PCSD Superintendent Clark Wicks. “This project is going to pay dividends for generations to come.”
Wicks said the bank’s gift will hopefully be the first of many public and corporate donations toward the $250,000 fundraising goal. If that goal is reached, he said, the VanKirk family has offered to provide an additional $75,000 in matching funds.
A gift of $350,000 — matched by the district — from the VanKirk family in honor of the late Pete VanKirk helped kickstart the project. The renovation project support group is also seeking 1,000 Bluejays — alumni, fans or community-minded persons — to contribute to the three-phase renovation.
Carol VanKirk was on hand for the check passing in the lobby of the Raccoon Valley Bank. She was joined by PCSD Board resident Kyle Baxter and PCSD Student Activities Director Tom Lipovac.
Raccoon Valley Bank President Terry Nielsen said the bank is committed to Perry and is always happy to support the community’s growth and development.
Phase One construction is expected to begin next month and will be done before the first fall football game.
