Our public schools are among the most important institutions in our community. Quite simply, the educational work they undertake shapes the youngsters who will be the future of our city, state and nation.

Funding the school system is an expensive undertaking. Unfortunately, the monies available from local, state and national governmental sources is often insufficient to pay for all those things that are needed to achieve all the educational goals we have for our young folks.

That’s why the fundraising undertaken by the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation provides an important enhancement to public education in our town. The funds it generates help provide technology, literacy materials and STEM resources to teachers, for students.

Saturday, the foundation’s annual “Go Big, Go Dodgers” fundraiser will take place from 6 to 10 p.m., at Fort Frenzy’s Cardiff Center, 3232 First Ave. S. Tickets are $40 and available in Fort Dodge school offices, and online at www.fdcsfoundation.org.

The money the foundation raises enriches the educational experience for local kids.

“Not everything the schools need is covered by the budget,” Andrea DeJong, foundation president, told The Messenger last month. “Teachers ask us to cover those extra needs through a grant process in the spring and in the fall.”

The Messenger strongly supports the foundation’s important work. We urge our readers to help it achieve its goals by attending Saturday’s event and assisting the foundation throughout the year. Participating in “Go Big, Go Dodgers” will help make our excellent school system even better.

In addition to that, the evening promises to be a great deal of fun.