By Jolene Farley
Patriot Partners was established five years ago as a Hills-Beaver Creek School district booster organization, according to Patriot Partners president Marlon Top.
When the Patriot Partners see a need for funding, they try to help, according to Top.
"It helps us get closer as a community," Top said. "I have a lot of fun doing it."
Patriot Partners sponsors three main fund-raisers a year. The elementary carnival raises a significant portion of the organizationÕs funds and is a fun event to work at, Top said.
"We get a ton of kids there," he said. "It's something the kids look forward to. You see these little kids they come barreling in. TheyÕre having a blast."
Patriot Partners serve a soup supper on the evening of the High School Awards Banquet every spring.
The group sells concessions at basketball or football games for a portion of the proceeds when no other organizations are available.
Members hope to raise more than $300 from a Whopper Feed they are sponsoring at the boys' basketball game Friday night.
They also issue stock certificates for $10 apiece. The organization sends out cards at the beginning of every year offering the certificates for sale.
Most of the money raised by the organization is used to fund three $250 continuing education scholarships awarded to Hills-Beaver Creek High School graduates.
In addition to the scholarships, every year for the past five years, Patriot Partners has donated $500 to the high school and grade school for various needs.
A portion of the funds the organization raises are currently set aside for the locker room project at Hills-Beaver Creek High School, according to Top.
Top stresses the people who help in the organization make his job as president easier. "There's a core of tremendously hard working women there," he said.
The organization currently has no vice-president (that officer traditionally moves up to president) but Jodie Harnack and Top have agreed to act as co-presidents next year. This year, Jodi Ackerman is secretary and Lois DeHaan is treasurer.
"Our biggest goal right now is to get younger ones involved," Top said.
Top added that he thanks all the volunteers who contribute so much to the organization.