 The cake walk, sponsored by Faith Lutheran Church and managed by Jan
Sielaff, had 20 cakes to entice players to the circle. Kids were
entertained all afternoon with a duck pond, ring toss, inflatable
maze, bouncy castle and dunk tank. The grown-ups were comfortable
under the dining tent -- sharing conversation and catching up from
summer break. Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Perry Groves,
whose daughters, Lexi in eighth grade and Izzy in kindergarten,
attend Zion Lutheran School.
Festival atmosphere was taken an extra step by the Rev. Charles
Olander of Zion Lutheran Church in New Holland, who brought his
cotton candy machine. It was a popular booth throughout the
afternoon as kids took breaks from their games and adults indulged
in the tasty treat.
Barbecue was made using hams, loins and shoulder roasts from four
donated hogs. The remainder of the meat is processed into brat
patties, brats and other selections available for sale at the
festival. The meal was rounded out with baked beans and locally
grown corn on the cob. The corn was being cooked in a garage behind
the school as the meal was in progress, to be able to serve it as
hot and fresh as possible.
The big event came at the end of the afternoon when auctioneer
Mike Maske opened the cake and pie auction. Hundreds of dollars are
raised every year from this one segment of the day, and everyone
enjoys bidding or watching the action. The first cake was a red
velvet purchased by Mark Haseley for $60, and the bidding war moved
on.
Dedicated volunteers oversee activities, committee chairmen are
hands-on, and everyone comes together for the same goal -- to create
a successful fundraising event for the school.
"Hard work pays off, and it takes a lot of people to make this
happen, but they are willing to work for the school," said Doug
Sheley.
"Funds raised are used to offset the tuition costs for families
with children attending Zion Lutheran School," he said.
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"The congregation contributes over $200,000 each year," said
Principal Steve Schumacher. "The members are very generous, but this
event is the school's effort to make up whatever difference there
may be, so tuition is paid for every family and costs are covered."
The majority of organizers and volunteers hail from Lutheran
churches in town, but since church membership is not a requirement
for school attendance, some join the effort for a common reason --
their children attend or did attend the school. Several volunteers
saw their children graduate years ago but continue to stay involved
because, as Sheley said, "It is like a community. People here
support each other, and working together for something like this
bonds you to each other, and to the school."
Outside sponsors were Schwantz Farms, Farm Credit Services, Fire
Apparatus & Supply Team, Jerry Pagel -- "Umpire and Referee
Extraordinare," Graue Inc., Lincoln/Logan May Enterprises Insurance
Agency -- Bob Jeckel, Dick Simmons, Fancy Hen and Egg Farm, Culligan
Water, Albert Bros. Inc., and Action Rentals and Sales.
[By MARLA BLAIR]
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