Having A Ball That Raises Cash For A Community
The auction was just one of the highlights of the Duck Pluckers ball this Saturday night at Penn Central Mall.
Oskaloosa, Iowa, – The Duck Pluckers Ball seems like a fun and quirky name, but what is it really all about? For many Oskaloosa residents, the second annual event is still somewhat of a mystery.
Duck Pluckers started out last year as the brain child of Sherri Taylor. Taylor is Vice President of Advancement at William Penn University and had done a similar event at a past school before coming to Oskaloosa.
The effort from last years Duck Pluckers Ball was focused on buying track equipment for the new stadium. Oskaloosa High School was scheduled to host their relays there, and William Penn was on tap to host the conference track meet. “We had a fabulous facility, we just needed things like hurdles and timers and such,” Taylor said. “We started Duck Pluckers to do that. I want it to be something that raises money for William Penn and it benefits the community, as well, through the booster club.”
That tradition will continue this year, as funds will help out with projects at the stadium.
“This year it’s been a little bit different, of course, because of RAGBRAI,” Taylor added. The attendance was down this year as some participants decided that getting some rest and recovering from RAGBRAI was important. Taylor had responses from people saying, “Count me in next year, this year I’m exhausted.” But the smaller crowd didn’t dampen the spirits of the event, “and people are having a really good time.”
“We’re pleased and we hope this will continue,” Taylor added.
John Eberline started the William Penn Booster Club some time ago and recently passed away. “We are looking to build on what he’s done,” says Nik Rule, Director of University Relations at William Penn University. “The booster club is in amazing shape because of him.”
“The booster club, the funds that we generate through our membership drive, is different from the Duck Pluckers Ball.” The boosters also generate income through concession sales and online apparel sales. “That goes to projects at the university that are going to benefit all of our athletic programs,” explained Rule.
A total amount raised hasn’t yet been released as of this writing.
If you are interested in joining the William Penn Booster Club, Rule says to contact him at rulen@wmpenn.edu.
