Image courtesy of Don Orris
Image courtesy of Don Orris

There is a unique fundraising opportunity next week when the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) comes through Greene County July 23rd.

The Greene County Animal Shelter Fundraising Committee is looking to gain some momentum as thousands of bicyclists come into Scranton and Jefferson. Facilitator Don Orris says Jefferson Hy-Vee is donating free water and bananas, which people can have for a free-will donation. Home State Bank will also match all donations made that day up to a total of $25,000. Plus, Orris describes another fun opportunity for people to donate money.

“I’ve also built two, 4-(foot)-by-8-(foot) sheets of plywood together and painted it all up. It’s a ‘Cat in the Hat’ opportunity to put your face through and a photo op. So we’re hoping to attract people to do that and get a free-will offering at the same time. It’ll say ‘RAGBRAI 2018’ with the faces in there. Then also a free-will offering towards the animal shelter.”

Volunteers will be in Scranton on July 23rd from 8am to 4pm and then they’ll be in Jefferson next to the Twiins Shop starting at 5pm that evening. The total cost to build the new facility is $1.2 million. Donations are now being accepted at Jefferson City Hall.