Four months of downhome-style fundraising for the hometown schools wound up this month at United Community Bank.
Starting in May, the bank launched a "Round-Up for Education," with various fundraising projects that benefitted the Perham-Dent schools and the Frazee school system.
The fundraisers, all with a western theme, were aimed at financially assisting the schools during these trying financial times.
"The fact that we raised $10,000 for Perham is a reflection of the kind of community we live in," noted Sandra Waldon, United Community Bank spokesperson. Bank officials marveled at the support from other businesses, as well as the community at large.
With its branch location in Frazee, United Community raised nearly $4,000 for Frazee school programs.
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The bank kicked off the Perham "Round-Up for Education" schedule with a parking lot barbecue on May 21.
Then, every Wednesday from May 21 to August 27, all deposits to personal checking or savings accounts had the change rounded up to the nearest dollar to be donated to the 549 Family Foundation.
All summer contributions were accepted from customers and Round-Up dollar donation cards were displayed on the lobby wall.
In May and June, lobby displays on Wednesdays promoted various areas of the fine arts programs, enrichment programs and extracurricular activities. As a fine arts feature, the Perham school orchestra students played in the lobby for the enjoyment of customers and staff.
On June 24, 15 youth from PHS were involved in a Jail and Bail to help raise funds.
In July and August, students on staff and volunteer students were at the Turtle Races offering up root beer floats.
On July 30, another parking lot cook-out fundraiser was hosted--complete with chamber music from the Perham orchestra.
In August the lobby displayed the Perham Gymnastics Team's 5 state trophies
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The fundraising efforts continued with the Country Hoe Down Dinner, Dance and Raffle on September 13, an event that was hosted at the Grandview Heights Ballroom on the Pioneer Grounds.
