Community Center celebrates sweet 16

On the evening of September 8, the Platte Valley Community Center (PVCC) hosted the 16th annual Party on the Platte fundraiser.

PVCC Director Joe Elder could not be more pleased with the results. Each year, the PVCC Joint Powers Board selects a project to raise funds and past projects have typically been centered around the interior of the building. This year, the fundraising was for some exterior working, specifically increasing the amount of exterior lighting.

Joe Glode, chairman of the PVCC Joint Powers Board, told attendees it would cost approximately $30,000 to extend power for the project. In turn, the Valley community raised a gross amount of $72,910 through both the silent and live auction with items ranging from firearms to dinner packages to firearms.

“It’s always a different mix in terms of what we get, what people have. We had a lot of guns this year, which is nice. Sometimes we have a lot of jewelry and not very many guns,” said Elder. “I was happy with what people gave. Clearly, everyone seemed to like what we had.”

The highest bid item Friday night was one which is also an annual favorite, giving the winner the opportunity to name a character in a C.J. Box novel. This year, that honor went to Glode who beat out Randy Raymer at $6,100. A stipulation about naming the character is that someone cannot tell Box who the character will be, that is up to the New York Times bestselling author to decide.

Box, who serves on the PVCC Foundation Board, is often in attendance at the Party on the Platte and was in attendance that night.

“I always wonder if he already has a character in mind when he’s watching the bidding war,” said Elder.

Elder was also happy with attendance. In previous years, the Great Hall had been virtually packed with 37 round tables. This year, said Elder, that number was reduced to 30.

“It makes for a better atmosphere. It’s still really good attendance but people still have room to walk around and talk with each other,” said Elder. “I felt like it was a good crowd for sure.”

With its 16th annual fundraiser wrapped up, Elder said he is still amazed and thankful for the amount of support shown by the community for the facility. Not only does that support come from long-time locals, but from new arrivals to the area as well.

“It’s amazing, truly. I always say the community center is a reflection of the generosity of the Valley,” said Elder. “Since I’ve been here, we do have some annual regulars that do come every year but we always have new people that come in every year. It’s good to have those new, fresh faces show up as well.”