A Swim Under the Stars Helps Fund New Pool

Residents of all ages had the opportunity to not only enjoy the starry sky, with the addition of a slight lightning show, on Aug. 14, but also wind down from the summer season with a movie in the Glasgow Pool. As a fundraiser event for the Valley County Community Pool Campaign, $817.55 was raised, adding to the already established fund for the new pool.

"It was well attended by youth of varying ages, who, after a bit of lightning delay, had fun swimming under the stars until the whistle blew at 10:50 p.m.," stated Valley County Friends of Glasgow Pool committee member Maggan Walstad. The Valley County Friends of Glasgow Pool committee could not have put this event on without the support and assistance of Seth Runner, who provided the equipment to be able to watch the movie of the evening, "Finding Nemo," FMDH, who provided snacks, drinks and glow sticks, and the Glasgow Rec Department who provided the lifeguards on duty for the evening. "They all did a great job!" stated Walstad.

A few days after the event occurred on Aug. 16, an anonymous donor provided $50,000 to the pool fund. "We have received several letters where the donors express the fond memories they had as children using the pool as well as expressing their support in building a new facility so that youth in Valley County can continue to make memories. We are grateful for all the donors that are paying it forward to our community for the next 50 years!" said Walstad. The addition of the donation on Aug. 16 has propelled the fund to $537,875.

In addition to this fundraising event and other generous donations, the committee has placed blue boxes in a variety of locations throughout town, encouraging patrons to donate their loose change and dollar bills. "In 10 weeks, we have raised $1,715 through those boxes," exclaimed Walstad. "Please keep putting your change in – Every Drop Counts."

The Glasgow Pool first opened in 1974 and due to the many years of usage, the repairs and rework that needs to be done is more than the current pool can take. As a result, the committee, comprised of key stakeholders including community members and parents, has been working diligently all summer to gather the funds and support needed to make a new pool dream a reality.

Due to scheduling conflicts with other events, the committee has postponed the McPool Party fundraiser that was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27. Please stay tuned for announcements regarding the new date. However, donations are always welcome through the Pool Campaign's website, http://www.valcopool.com.