Rotary to wrap up 100K campaign with Sunday's Picnic in the Park

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the rescheduling of the event to July 7

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

FORT MADISON - The Fort Madison Rotary's 100K in 100 Days fundraising campaign wraps up on July 7 with the group's annual Picnic in the Park.

At last tally the fundraising effort is right at $70,000 and Rotary officials are hoping to get one last push for the fundraiser at the annual summer picnic.

Current Rotary President Jan Garza said the picnic has become a tradition of fun and excitement for the community.

The Fort Madison Rotary Club took on the maintenance and upkeep of Central Park many years ago and the club has sponsored the annual Picnic in the Park since 2010," Garza said.

"Food, fun, and entertainment has been a fun way for Rotarians to include the community in keeping Central Park, the bandstand, and the fountain in good repair."

The funds this year are specifically important because city officials, on a regular inspection, discovered heavy termite damage in the parks' band shell. The city band holds Sunday concerts in the structure throughout the summer and was built just over a decade ago. The club also sponsors one of the city band's performances each year.

"This year, termite infestation was found throughout the foundation of the bandstand.  Repairs and refurbishment would cost well over funds available, so the community and local businesses were encouraged to be a part of saving the bandstand," Garza said.

"There are needs in other areas at the park to be met as well and estimates were also received for these areas. With this in mind, and with the Fort Madison Rotary Club gearing up to celebrate it’s 100th year of service in 2020; they decided to initiate the $100,000 in 100 days campaign. If the funds received are more than the final cost of this major project, the remaining funds will be put in the Central Park Maintenance Account for future needs.

Other funding will be placed in the Central Park's Maintenance Account for future needs, which could include upgrading lighting and seating in the park, refurbishing the fountain and the Statue of Liberty monument on the parks southeast side.

A suggested $5 free will donation will cover the costs of dinner which will include grilled offerings, sides and a beverages. PAW Animal Shelter will once again be on hand selling root beer floats. The picnic runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with local entertainment.

A raffle will be held once again with prizes being raffled off at the end of the picnic including St. Louis Cardinal tickets, cabin rentals, wine baskets and Kingsley Inn stayover including dinner at River Rocks, and more. Raffle tickets will be $10 each or six for $50. You don't need to be present to win.