Anonymous donor offers $60,000

By Angie Landsverk

An anonymous donor is making sure Weyauwega-Fremont High School’s new Performing Arts Center has a Steinway grand piano in it when the space is completed next fall.

The 400-seat auditorium is under construction in front of the high school.

The donor is giving the school district the additional funds it needs to secure the purchase of the grand piano, District Administrator Scott Bleck said.

“The person contacted the district office with the desire to remain anonymous and ensure that the grand piano be secured for our children and our communities,” he said during the school board’s March 26 meeting.

This is the second anonymous donation the district received for the piano.

Last summer, the district received a $25,000 donation to go toward the cost.

The district identified a fundraising goal of $85,000 to buy the piano and its accessories, which include a cover and dolly system.

The $25,000 donation left the district with needing to raise $60,000.

One way it began raising funds was through a key fundraiser.

Bleck mentioned the initiative during the school board’s Feb. 26 meeting.

The donor contacted the district after that fundraising effort was publicized.

“The person wants to remain anonymous,” Bleck told the board.

He said the donor appreciates the fine arts and is also challenging the community to continue the key fundraiser.

“It’s the desire of the donor that the community continues to donate to complete the key effort,” Bleck said. “Any funds raised beyond the cost of the piano will be earmarked for the Fine Arts Department.”

Those funds would be used for maintenance and overall fine arts enhancements, he said.

There are 88 keys on a piano, and the district wants to “sell” each of them at $500 per key.

Those who purchase one will be recognized in the new Performing Arts Center.

People may visit steinwaymadison.com/donate-a-key-weyauwega to learn about the key fundraiser.

Keys already sold are red in color.

During the March 26 meeting, Bleck said 11 keys had been sold thus far.

“We’re very appreciative of the individuals who have purchased keys for the fundraiser thus far. We’re looking to continue that effort, so they can be part of the dedication,” he said.

Bleck appreciates the generosity of community members.

He noted the district received donations from others as well during the past several years, including from William and Mary Ellen Wurzbach and the W-F Athletic Booster Club.

The Wurzbach’s provide support for the high school track program, and the booster club donated $105,000 to support fitness center improvements at the high school.