When it comes to fundraising, often times a little friendly competition can yield very positive results. That’s precisely what the City of Perry has seen the last couple years as Hy-Vee and Fareway have competed in the annual Fireworks Round-Up Fundraiser.

Starting this Monday and running through Memorial Day, the two grocery stores will be encouraging their shoppers to round up their totals to the nearest dollar, with the remainder going toward the Fourth of July fireworks display. Hy-Vee Store Manager Matt Rohe says both stores have a rich history of supporting the community, and the round-ups are prime examples. “Us being the two big grocery stores in town, it’s kind of a community area where everybody goes to, lots of community involvement. So just using all of our foot traffic and venue to be the source to raise those kind of funds, I think it’s very important. And just being involved in the community, of course everybody wants a good fireworks show.”

Fareway Store Manager Travis Landgrebe echoes Rohe’s assessment, adding that they’re happy to contribute to a fundraiser that will bring a spectacular display for the community. As to the competition, Fareway was victorious last year. Landgrebe says while it is a point of pride, he emphasizes it’s all in good fun. “Well, we have some very excited checkers that they don’t like to lose. You know, we have a competition in the store (for) who can raise the most amongst ourselves, where there’s prizes to win. And you know, friendly competition is fun, but you don’t like to lose most of the time! So we’ve had a good, strong tradition of winning and we’d like to continue to do that, and maybe we will this year!”

Rohe agrees that the friendly competition is fun, but also admits it’s a competition he’d like to win. He says he’ll be formulating incentive plans of his own as he hopes to put Hy-Vee on top of Fareway this year. The Raccoon Valley Radio Big and Lil’ Big Red Radios will be broadcasting live from both grocery stores at the same time this Monday to kick off the fundraiser. To learn more, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.