A night of games and music generated about $80,000 for the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation.

The foundation reported that the annual Go Big, Go Dodgers event on April 5 yielded that much money to be spent on things like programmable robots, math and literacy materials, metal shop tools and musical instruments that the Fort Dodge Community School District wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.

In 2018, the event raised $66,000.

About 400 people attended this year’s fundraiser at Fort Frenzy, 3232 First Ave. S.

“We are thrilled with the 2019 numbers,” foundation President Jen Pederson said in a written statement. “Nearly 400 people came out to support education. There was amazing energy and atmosphere at Fort Frenzy.”

“I think the turnout and the amount of money raised exemplifies the positive momentum in our district,” she added. “Donors, sponsors and those who attended sent a message that they support the great things happening in our schools and that they want to help give our students access to educational items that will help them go above and beyond in the classroom.”

At the most recent Go Big, Go Dodgers event, people could play games, such as a jumbo-sized version of Connect 4, and listen to the band Lone Tree Revival.

Ticket sales, sponsorships, the sale of auction items and donations totaled about $80,000.