Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder got to throw a pie in the face of Salem Mayor Nic Farley for the second year in a row as the ‘Shrine’ Week competition at Raccoon Grade School came to an end Friday afternoon just ahead of the Salem-Centralia High School Shrine Football game.
When announcing the winner, Raccoon Grade School Superintendent Missy Johannes announced that $7,072.85 was collected, more than double last year’s total of $3,124.52. Between the two contestants, Kuder was able out fund raised Farley ten to one, with Kuder finishing with $6,072.39.
“We are making a distance in kids’ lives with medical needs. This is our tenth anniversary. Today we are coming together as one team where we are all winners. What started out in 2014 with RGS [Raccoon Grade School] doing the fundraiser by ourselves and raising $800 has grown to where two communities have come together as one to support this cause.”
As for Raccoon School, the most money collected by students went to Salem. The dunking booth alone on Friday to dunk a teacher raised $460.75. A third-grade student was chosen at random and also got to throw a pie in Mayor Farley’s face.
Kuder thanked everyone who contributed to help the Shriners hospitals. He said it felt good to deliver the pie to Farley’s face.
“It’s better to give than receive is what I’ve always been told. It was good. It was all in fun. Like I told Nick, we will do it again until I’m out of office. Hopefully, the person who takes my seat when I’m gone will continue what we have started here. To raise the amount the money that we raised, it warms a person’s heart. It is really great.”
Kuder even got St. Mary’s Grade School involved with a class competition where $840 was raised. The third and fourth grade won and the mayor will provide the class with a pizza party.
Farley, meanwhile says he’ll have to try something different next year.
“It’s about raising money for the kids. We all know someone who has been affected by something the Shriners have helped out with. Any money we can raise or draw attention to raising money for the Shriners Hospitals is a good cause.”
The Shriners were amazed with the total. Terry Heern noted the free care provided to young people with a variety of physical issues.
“This school is wonderful. Like I said when I talked to the kids, they are just awesome and help us think outside of the box in different ways to raise money other than what we usually do. We’re going to go to other schools and see if we can get some things like this going. It’s been a wonderful day.”
Raccoon Grade School is unique, with graduating eighth graders split between Salem and Centralia High Schools. The annual event is sponsored by the Raccoon Grade School Sports Boosters who is thanking parents, students, and staff for their participation in support of the Shriners.
Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder rallies Raccoon students who will be going to Centralia High School.
Salem May Nick Farley leads the cheer for Raccoon Students who will attend Salem Community High School.
Salem Mayor Nick Farley is covered by Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder with Orphan branded plastic to protect him from the pie he is about to throw. Raccoon Grade School Superintendent Misty Johannes watches the preparation work.
Ready, Aim, Fire as Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder begins the throw of the pie into the face of Salem Mayor Nick Farley.
Raccoon Grade School Superintendent presents the final fundraising check to Shriner Terry Heern as the Raccoon School Assembly ends.
