Peerless Center’s first fundraising event is a success
The fundraising kickoff event for the Peerless Center on Aug. 11, “An Evening in Italy,” welcomed guests with a beautiful Italian-inspired entry and walkway, which led to the main room filled with Italian decorated tables and music provided by Joe Hall and Friends.
After the social time, Chef Bob Brant, Chef Barb Sagel and Chef Pin Lee prepared a four-course gourmet Italian meal. The Peerless board and volunteer committee sponsored this special evening that also introduced its guests to the many facility needs of the Peerless Center.
An Italian movie produced in 1954 was shown to guests that night, but ironically the system did not work properly, as there was an unresolved echo that made it difficult for the audience to suitably hear the audio portion of the film. Though certainly not planned, it did accentuate the need to raise funds for the Peerless Center.
For 25 years, the Peerless Center has provided opportunities for recreation such as a basketball gym for youth and an area for dance lessons as well as gymnastics. Additionally, the building provides office space for local businesses to rent. The theater is used to show movies on the weekends, and a local church meets there on Sunday mornings. “This is truly a multi-use facility, but it is 25 years old and there are improvements that are needed to keep this facility going,” said the Peerless Center’s executive director, Paula Strode.
Steve Brown previously worked with local contractors to determine what specific improvements are needed and what those costs will be. This information was provided to guests, who graciously fully funded the roof repairs of $4,300 and the computer system upgrades for $6,500.
Additionally, donations were made to fund new windows at a cost of approximately $682 each, with a total funding need of about $15,000. At the dinner, 11 people agreed to fund over $8,800, which will cover the cost for about half the windows. An additional amount of $8,800 was raised for new flooring, which will cost approximately $30,000 to complete.
One additional project that needs funding is painting the facility, which is estimated at approximately $30,000. “The total funds raised at our kickoff event was more than $25,000! This was an excellent start. It makes you proud to live in such a wonderful and caring community,” stated Penny Bailey, one of the members of the volunteer committee.
Everyone who donated $500 or more had their name entered in a drawing. First prize was a five-night stay in October at Grace Cabin in Wyoming, which houses 14 people. Mark and Jean Clayton were the winners of this prize provided by Steve and Cherrie Brown. The second-place prize, a lifetime bucket of popcorn, donated by the Peerless Theatre, went to Janelle Krueger. The Peerless Center’s board also provided all attendees with a gift card for a free movie, drink and popcorn.
“Many people worked for 13 years to make the Peerless Center a dream come true 25 years ago, and I know that our community will come together again to help raise the remaining funds needed for improvements of Peerless Center,” said Cherrie Brown, one of the original board members who is also on the volunteer committee.
The next fundraising event, “Pennies for the Peerless,” will be in September. Businesses will be asked to display specially made popcorn buckets that are designed to accept community donations. Additionally, the schools will assist in this effort, as classrooms will compete by raising donations. The winning high school class will be rewarded with a pizza party and a movie. The winning elementary school classroom will enjoy an ice cream party.
The Peerless Center board members are also busy planning CineMagic, which will be held in October, while the volunteer committee is planning an auction for November and a New Year’s party.
There are still many ways the community will be able to participate and be a part of ensuring the Peerless Center remains for at least another 25 years. If anyone would like further information, please contact Penny Dockins, 970-520-2692; Penny Bailey, 575-791-8391; Cherrie Brown, 970-520-5320; or Paula Strode, 970-691-1900.