Leadership Class raises funds for flags

VW independent/submitted information

The 2016 Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class recently held a fundraiser to support Main Street Van Wert (MSVW).

The class sold raffle tickets to community members and interested businesses until April 21. On April 22, Main Street Van Wert Program Manager Adam Ries joined the Leadership Class to draw the winners of the raffle fundraiser. Craig Lefeld won the first prize of $1,000; Sophie Marvin won the second prize of $400; and Marcia Osenga won the third prize of $100.

Proceeds of the raffle went to Main Street Van Wert to help buy new American flags and flagpoles to replace the flags currently displayed on Main Street during the summer. Over the past several years, those flags have required detangling by the City Engineering Department. However, in the latter part of last summer, one sample of another kind of flag was displayed as a test. During the time it was displayed, the flag never tangled nor had any other problems, so it is hoped that the new flags will solve the problem and provide a much-needed improvement.

The Leadership Class views downtown Van Wert as a critical area for business development and community pride. The new American flags and flagpoles will line Washington and Main streets.

The fundraising efforts allowed the Leadership Class to give out the monetary prizes, secure a $425 scholarship for a nonprofit Leadership Class participant for 2016-2017, and give $3,060 to Main Street Van Wert to help fund new American flags and flagpoles. Overall the Leadership Class raised $4,985.

The 2016 Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class thanks the community for its support with this fundraiser.