Bluejay Blast provides fun, supports education initiatives

The gym and cafeteria of the Waseca Intermediate School were humming with activity the morning of Saturday, April 12, for the Waseca Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) fundraiser known as the “Bluejay Blast.” More than 350 people attended and around $25,000 was raised. 

Among the first sights greeting visitors as they arrived was the raffle table, staffed by PTO member Rebecca Prescher, who was one of about 50 volunteers helping out for the day.

About 260 people enjoyed a breakfast of pancakes and sausages: Kwik Trip donated the coffee and juice.

From the gym came the smell of popcorn and a calamity of noise with the bingo game going strong: children and adults joined in, paying fifty cents per card with prizes ranging from a chess game to footballs to basketballs to markers and colored pencils. Each prize package was worth about $5, winners could pick any toy from the table. All bingo prizes were donated by Northland Trenching. 

For the younger kids there was a variety of games; children carried cards which allowed them to take part in a certain number of games or activities–until the spaces for stamps were all marked off. Carnival games included a Lollipop Tree, Mini Golf, Duck Pond, Ring Toss, Fishing Pond, Knock ‘em Down with cans, and a Cake Walk. The stamp card also allowed them to have their face or hand painted.

In the middle of the gym was a silent auction supervised by Laura DeWees fourth grade teacher and Bluejay Blast committee chair. Said DeWees, “We got 157 different items donated from lots of businesses, teachers, and families for our auction, with the proceeds going to Waseca Post Secondary, PTO, speakers for the students, field trips, and school supplies.” She was quick to add, “None of this is for the brick and mortar.” Instead, she explained, money raised has been used for supplementary needs including busing costs for special events, extra teaching materials, brain break activities, and additions to the frisbee golf course. Of the day’s bustle and excitement she observed, “All of this plus private donations means better opportunities for the students.”

Selling cupcakes at a stand nearby was Greg Huber, when asked why he was willing to volunteer his time, he replied, “I’m here to help out; we always need money for the school activities.” Huber mentioned his wares were donated by Lisa Preuss of The Baker’s Daughter.

DeWees wished to express gratitude to the event’s gold sponsors: Suburban Furniture and Flooring, Katie Gonzales at State Farm Insurance, Waseca Sleigh and Cutter, Waseca County Pioneer and KOWZ/KRUE Radio.

DeWees comments, “The committee of eight would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and anyone who attended the events. This fundraiser not only brings in money to use in the schools, but brings the community together. It was so great to see all of the families, staff, and community members come together with one common goal. This fundraiser would not be possible without all of them.  If anyone has suggestions for future years or would like to be on the committee, they can email wasecabluejayblast@gmail.com.”

Sadly, but happily, because of her two active boys, DeWees shared that although she is remaining as a member of the committee,  she is stepping down from her position as BlueJay Blast chair. Also stepping down is co-chair Julie Brass.  “We are always looking for more committee members!” DeWees finished. “Just get in touch.”