Event Money Helps Feed Families In Need

DAYTON - After two successful years of Mule Mania, one of Dayton's new­est summer events, two local charities are reaping rewards from the weekend.

The Columbia Rural Elec­tric Association donated $500 each to the Dayton Food Bank and Project Timo­thy as a token of gratitude and support for the two groups.

The money was raised during the Mule Mania golf tournament, organizer Doug Krueger said.

"It was a fun event," Krueger said. "Usually the winner donates the winnings to the food bank."

While presenting a check to the food bank, Columbia Rural Electric Association CEO Les Teel said the dona­tions will hopefully generate more interest in the local food bank.

Chairwoman of the Day­ton Food Bank Board, Aleta Shockley, accepted the check and expressed her gratitude for the Rural Electric As­sociation for the donation. Laura Thorn, the food bank manager and secretary/trea­surer of the food bank board, also accepted the check and said she was happy to have the donation.

"There is no better gift than food," Shockley said.

Teel said the food bank represents the strength of the community because it can continue to run on vol­unteers and donations from the community. Teel said anytime the association can help the food bank, they are happy to do so.

Shockley said the food bank serves about 160 clients per month and those people impact a huge portion of the community.

Shockley also said the food bank gets great sup­port from Project Timothy, the other recipient of a $500 donation.

Project Timothy volun­teers Ruth and Wayne Peter­son accepted the check on behalf of the charity.

"(The donation) will go to a good cause because we are always helping people," Ruth Peterson said. "We so appreciate it."

Teel said he is always happy to help the local orga­nization because it is such an asset to the community.

Wayne Peterson expressed his gratitude as well, thanking Teel and Krueger for coming out to present the donation.

Columbia Rural Electric Association Executive As­sistant Jennifer Aichele said the association is trying to donate to both charities ev­ery year.

"This is our little contribu­tion," Teel said. "This is our way of giving backhellip; the community recognizes the need."

Teel said organizers are seeing a people coming from a long way away to partici­pate in Mule Mania and he anticipates it will continue to be successful in the coming years.

"Mule Mania is a great way to introduce people to the area," Teel said.

Teel recounted a story of a man he met who had never been to Dayton, but after Mule Mania, the newcomer immediately went out to pur­chase land in town. Teel said the exposure is helpful for Dayton and helps support the local economy.