3 organizations benefit from proceeds from Francis Park Festival

By The Kewanee Voice July 30, 2024

Organizer John Wirth, from left, sponsor Kurt Gustafson, presented a check for $750 to Denny J. Bernes with Quad Cities Honor Flight. Also shown, craft and flea market organizer Brenda Kegebein and Jerry Krause. [Submitted photo]

Organizers for the third annual Francis Park Festival, held at Francis Park on July 4, recently turned over the proceeds from the event’s car show, craft and flea market, 50/50 drawing and raffle.

John Wirth, event organizer and member of the Street Cruisers Car Club, along with the owner of Gustafson Ford, Kurt Gustafson, who sponsors the event, presented checks to representatives of three organizations- the Hog Capital Wildlife Rescue and Rehab, Kewanee High School Life Skills and the Quad Cities Honor Flight.

Shown, from left, Jerry Krause, John Wirth, Kurt Gustafson, Tamara Yarger with Hog Capital Wildlife Rescue and Rehab and George DeMay. Hog Capital Wildlife was presented with a check from the festival proceeds for $500. [Submitted photo]

From left, Jerry Krause, John With, Kurt Gustafson, Brenda Kegebein, Nicole Nelson from Kewanee High School Life Skills and George DeMay. Life Skills received a check for $1,000. [Submitted photo]

The drizzling rain on July 4 led to a lower turnout in participation, especially for the car show, Wirth said. But in spite of the less than ideal weather, the car show drew 76 cars, trucks and motorcycles and the fundraising efforts brought in $2,250 for the area groups.