Chapter 1570 Member Jenee Blackert spearheaded the initiative, organizing a chili cook-off, bake sale, silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. To kickstart the event, Member Mary Lou Haney secured $200 in seed money from the RNA Home Office in Rock Island, IL, through their Difference Maker Fundraiser. The initial investment of $200 blossomed into an impressive total of over $3,000.
Approximately 50 volunteers contributed to the success of the fundraiser, attracting a crowd of around 100 attendees to the Ronald Reagan Community Center on Saturday, November 4th, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ten different participants showcased their chili-cooking skills, with Carra Newman and Marv Smith tying for first place and humorously competing for the coveted trophy spoon.
The 50/50 raffle added an extra layer of excitement, as Dana Fellows emerged as the lucky winner. In a remarkable display of generosity, Fellows donated $140 of his winnings back to the TAHS Fundraiser, quipping, “No wonder I don’t come to Tampico as I always leave Tampico broke!”
In another snapshot, Dana Fellows proudly displays his 50/50 raffle winnings, symbolizing the spirit of generosity that permeated the TAHS Fundraiser.
A memorable photo captures key figures involved in the successful event, including Gary Pearson (TAHS Vice President and Chapter 1570 Member), Duane Thompson (TAHS President and Chapter 1570 Member), Lorraine Gaskill (Chapter 1570 Recorder/Treasurer), Jenee Blackert, Sharon Sumner (Chapter 1570 President), Mary Lou Haney (Chapter 1570 Member and RNA Difference Maker Chairperson), Joyce Cole (Chapter 1570 Member), Terry Gaskill (Prophetstown Chapter 516 Event Planner), and Joan Johnson (TAHS Treasurer and Prophetstown Chapter 516 Member).
