Our community of Fort Dodge is replete with examples of how we work together and invest in our community to make it a special place to live. The Floyd of Rosedale project is another wonderful example of a successful community partnership.

When the Fort Dodge Community Foundation was asked to serve as the owner of the sculpture and help Councilman Dave Flattery with the fundraising effort for this project, we enthusiastically said YES. Floyd of Rosedale is a unique event and story that our community should celebrate.

Recognizing special moments in our community’s past allows us to appreciate our cultural richness and remember conjure deep regard for the iconic events and milestones the make up the legacy of our community. By celebrating events and sharing stories and local traditions, we gain greater appreciation for those that came before us and it strengthens our connection to our community’s past, present and future.

A robust community partnership made this project happen. The organizations and businesses that brought this project to fruition include the City of Fort Dodge, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation, and private businesses who stepped up and donated in-kind services; Russ Clark Construction, Kalen Johnson Monuments, Bemrich Electric, and Woodruff Construction (donating the use of a large crane). In addition, Iowa Central Community College donated a semi-truck and trailer and driver to pick up and deliver Floyd from Mount Vernon to Fort Dodge. Also, PICA (Pride In Community Appearance) will be landscaping the plaza area this fall. Our gratitude and sincere appreciation goes out to all of these community-minded businesses and organizations, and the generous donors that contributed to this project.

To date, over $186,000 has been donated to this project from local businesses and citizens, plus additional in-kind services have been provided valued at approximately $20,000.

When Councilman Dave Flattery proposed the idea to find an appropriate way to celebrate the Floyd of Rosedale tradition of which Fort Dodge is a key part, these local businesses and organizations immediately stepped up. They only needed to be asked. It is this type of community spirit that has made Fort Dodge the community it is today. The Floyd of Rosedale plaza and sculpture is another community project that helps make Fort Dodge a special place to live, work and play.

Fundraising for this project continues as we strive to reach our goal of raising $200,000. A donor wall recognizing all donors will soon accompany the sculpture at the Floyd of Rosedale plaza.

Any citizen or business interested in contributing can send their donation to the Fort Dodge Community Foundation, 24 N. Ninth Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, Iowa, 50501.

Randy Kuhlman is CEO of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation