Campaign volunteers raise $177k for Chadron State Foundation

 Volunteers of the foundation’s annual fall fundraising campaign gathered at a Chadron restaurant Monday to celebrate the successful effort. The volunteers solicited funds from throughout the region during a three-week period beginning Oct. 10.

Foundation executive director Connie Rasmussen and development officer Leslie Bargen, who coordinates the effort, thanked the volunteers and donors, noting that the foundation’s success largely hinges on their work each year.

Each year, the foundation recruits 124 volunteers to do the campaign’s legwork. Volunteers are divided into teams of six – 10 comprised of CSC employees and 10 of other community members. Four of the volunteers help lead the campaign. This year it was Tina McLain and Jason Carnahan from the community side, and college employees Dr. Donna Ritzen and Brent Bargen.

Leslie Bargen presented awards to the top teams, which were determined by a point system that encourages new and increased pledges. She also presented awards to individual point leaders and humorous awards based on stories from the volunteers.

A team consisting of Chadron Community Hospital employees took top honors among the community volunteers. They are Russ Bohnenkamp, Harold Krueger Jr., Kimberly Ouderkirk, Bobby Griese, Jordan Raben and Tricia Thayer. For the college, the winning team consisted of Craig Conway, Keith Crofutt, Dewayne Gimeson, Justin Haag, Alex Helmbrecht and Con Marshall.

Leslie Bargen said the campaign total will continue to grow as she follows up with potential donors, including those who could not be reached during the campaign. People who wish to contribute may call the foundation office at 308-432-6366.

Since 1988, the foundation’s assets have grown to more than $18 million. During that period, the combined net funds raised from the annual campaign and the student phonathon have grown from $186,000 to about half a million dollars.