May I have this dance?
Get out your party dresses and dancing shoes. The second annual Adult Prom fundraiser for the Minneota Pool Resurfacing Project is just around the corner.
The second annual Adult Prom is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at the American Legion. This year’s theme is Arabian Nights. Last year’s Adult Prom, spearheaded by Amber Rodas and Steph Vlaminck, was a huge success. Over 100 people attended and enjoyed a step back in time to the days of their high school prom. Along with a DJ and dancing, there will again be a meal served. There may also be a repeat of the silent auction. Most importantly, all the fun at the event raises money for the swimming pool, in an attempt to keep it open.
“We still need to raise money for the pool,” said Vlaminck.
“We will have $35,000 to raise in order to receive the full amount so generously offered to the community as a matching grant opportunity.” Southwest Health and Human Services inspects the pool every year before it opens for the season. Initially, the city-owned swimming pool was told that it needed to make repairs to both the kiddie pool and the adult pool or risk having the Minnesota Licensing Board deny them an operating license. The City of Minneota footed the $35,000 bill for the kiddie pool resurfacing, one of the requirements by Health and Human Services.
Because of that action, the community pool was allowed a one-year extension to resurface the adult pool.
The entire cost of the resurfacing of the kiddie and adult pools is now projected to be around $265,000.
One anonymous donor agreed to give a $50,000 matching offer, while another agreed to pay 10 percent of the construction costs; approximately $24,000. The swimming pool was built in 1966 by the city for $60,000, which equates to around $475,000 in today’s market.
Those involved in trying to raise the money needed to make the necessary repairs and improvements are working feverishly by hosting fundraising events and getting the word out for public donations.
The Adult Prom this year will feature a roast beef dinner catered by Duke’s Corner Café in Taunton. The Youth of Hope will assist in the meal service. Prom picture opportunities will be available for those attending the event, with Reba Lipinski being the photographer.
Rob Anderson of Push Play Entertainment of Marshall is returning to be DJ of the event. The meal will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a social hour and photos from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The dance begins at 8 p.m. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be sold at the Adult Prom.
Tickets for the event are $30 per person, or $50 for a couple. For those wishing to attend only the dance, the cost is $15 per person at the door after 8 p.m. All tickets sold will be entered into a drawing for a family pool pass. Tickets are available at Prairie Winds Wellness and Gislason’s Hardware.