The “Go Big, Go Dodgers” event will be highlighted by an evening of activity and special guest performances from both a current and former Dodger.

The festivities will be held at 6 p.m. March 31 at Soldier Creek Winery, 1584 Paragon Ave. Tickets are $20 each for district employees, and $40 for non-district employees.

Jared Benson, a current Fort Dodge school employee, and Isaiah Deegan, a Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, will provide live entertainment.

“It’s a great event to get involved in for a great cause,” said Foundation Executive Director Nik Moser. “We have Jared Benson and Isaiah performing, with plenty of food and activities for everyone. There will also be a chance to win a $10,000 prize.”

-Messenger file photo
A wide assortment of Dodger apparel was on display at the Go Big, Go Dodgers annual fundraiser at Fort Frenzy in September 2021.

The Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation is set up to help educators and students go above and beyond what district funding allows, with grants for professional development, technology and other educational needs.

“This is our biggest fundraising event to help teachers and students alike,” Moser said. “It helps the Foundation support the system when it needs more from the community.”

There will be an online auction, as well as live auction items. Dinners by Chef Michael Hirst of Iowa Central Community College and Chef Nick Sells from the Fort Dodge Community School District are among the auction items.

A total of 120 tickets will be sold for a chance at the grand prize of $10,000.

Upwards of 400 people have attended previous “Go Big, Go Dodgers” events.

Since 2011, the FDCS Foundation has granted nearly $1 million to projects in the schools that enhance the education experience for students in the Fort Dodge Community School District.

Over the last 10 years alone, the Foundation has granted more than $850,000 to projects and endeavors in the school district, including more than $350,000 the past three years.

Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Venmo app to @FDCS-Foundation, or on the foundation’s website at https://www.fdcsfoundation.org/go-big-go-dodgers-event. Tickets are available at the door the night of the event as well.

Sponsorship is also available through the FDCS Foundation website.