Park Rapids, MN -- On Saturday, October 11, 2014 R.D. Offutt Company joined forces with the Park Rapids High School boys and girls basketball teams to raise over $4,000 at the 2014 Potato Harvest Celebration. Over 200 community members attended in support of the event held at the local high school.
Each attendee was treated to free bratwursts and french fries, cooked and served by basketball team players and coaches. They also took home a free ten pound bag of potatoes, compliments of R.D. Offutt Company.
Local Park Rapids RDO Farm Manager and Assistant Basketball Coach, Joel Steffel, led the event. “There has always been a kind of informal celebration when we finish harvest each year. This year R.D. Offutt Company wanted to make it official and do something special for the Park Rapids community; the high school basketball teams seemed the perfect recipient,” said Steffel.
High School sports teams rely heavily on fundraising to meet team expenses, including travel, equipment, and coaches. “We were really pleased with the great turnout for a first time event,” said Park Rapids High School Teacher and Head Basketball Coach, Matt Brandt. “Between the generous contribution from R.D. Offutt Company and the community donations, we have more than $4,000.00 to help this season’s teams.”
R.D. Offutt Company set aside about 25,000 pounds of fresh potatoes for the event. The leftover potatoes are being stored for the local Food Shelf for distribution to those in need.
