The Kewanee Voice and the Kewanee Park District are teaming up for a summer fundraiser at the Liberty Park splash pad to support local journalism and kids in need.

Scheduled for Saturday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the “Splish, Splash Shack” food booth will serve grilled hot dog and pork patty lunches. For $6, attendees get a hot dog meal; for $9, the pork patty option. Each meal includes chips and a cookie. Bottled water will be available for $1 and root beer floats for $5. All proceeds benefit The Kewanee Voice and the Jerry Nell Memorial Youth Fund.

The Voice launched in May 2023 as a nonprofit news outlet dedicated to keeping Kewanee and surrounding communities informed. With a growing readership of 40,000 monthly users and 200,000 page views, the outlet has expanded into a downtown office with a staff of four.

The Jerry Nell Memorial Youth Fund helps families with limited means enroll children in park district programs such as softball, baseball and soccer. It also assists with access to park facilities such as the swimming pool. Parks Director Andrew Dwyer said the fund continues to make a meaningful impact across the community.

Voice Publisher Mike Berry and Dwyer encouraged residents to stop by the splash pad Saturday, grab lunch and support the cause. In case of rain, organizers will announce a new date. Volunteers are welcome and should arrive at Liberty Park by 10 a.m. on Saturday.

“This is our first-ever community fundraiser,” Berry said. “We hope the readers who rely on us and want to see us grow will show up and help make it a success.”