Students, staff, family and friends help Light Up the Knight

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Students from preschool through grade eight and faculty of St. Patrick's Catholic School gather before beginning to walk laps as part of the third annual Light Up the Knight fundraiser at Dewey Field Saturday.

The third annual Light Up the Knight fundraiser went off without a hitch at Dewey Field Saturday night.

A main fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Catholic School Home & School (PTA) group, the purpose is to raise money for field trips, special events and other items and resources not normally covered by the annual school budget. The event was held from 4-8:30 p.m.

Some of the students opted to run parts, or all, of their first lap, a decision that quickly discarded by most.
Some of the students opted to run parts, or all, of their first lap, a decision that quickly discarded by most.

Students sought donations from family and friends, with the more money raised the more “glow” items the students would earn to wear as they walked laps around Kaufman Track. Donors could opt to give a specific amount or make a pledge of a certain amount for each lap the student walked.

Prizes will be awarded later to students who raised $100 or more, to the student who walked the most laps and more. A $50 gift certificate to David’s Milwaukee Diner and a family overnight stay at the Hotel Pattee will be given to the top fundraiser, with the Perry Police Department awarding a ride to school in a police car to the student raising the second-most money. The class generating the most donations will be given a ride from the school to the weekly Friday School Mass in a fire engine, courtesy of the Perry Volunteer Fire Department.

Inflatables and games were available for fun until 6:30 p.m. at which point students, family and friends began walking laps, which became increasingly fun for the youngsters after the sun set and the glowing necklaces, eyeglasses, rings, bracelets and sundry other items were even more visible. Concessions were offered throughout the event, with glow items available to purchase as well. The launching of ‘floating glow lanterns’ by faculty and staff signaled the end of the festivities.

St. Patrick's Catholic School principal Doug Latham makes his way aournd the track. Students who were joking concerned "the teachers won't take many laps" were quickly shown they need not have worried.
St. Patrick’s Catholic School principal Doug Latham makes his way aournd the track. Students who were jokingly concerned “the teachers won’t take many laps” were quickly shown they need not have worried.

Last year Light Up the Knight raised over $10,000 for the school. From those funds, some $6,000 was donated to help the playground update, which was recently completed. Each teacher was given $100 to purchase classroom supplies and all field trip expenses were covered, requiring no fees from parents. Students were also able to enjoy a free movie, popcorn and pop during Catholic Schools week at the Perry Grand 3 Theater.

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