
Emcee Kyle Lalim and auctioneers Mike Bergh and Randy Owen during the live auction at the Arrow Education Foundation’s Harvest Fundraiser

Mitch Anderson of Watertown won a firepit playing Heads or Tails
Approximately $100,000 was raised at the Arrow Education Foundation’s Harvest Fundraiser on Thursday, Sept 26.
Harvest is the main fundraising event for the Foundation, which supports the Watertown School District. The event was held at the Watertown Event Center and emceed by Kyle Lalim. Dale Valberg of Watertown was the winner a golf cart raffle. but he has yet to decide if he’s taking the golf cart or the $5,000 cash prize. Mitch Anderson was Heads or Tails champion, winning a fire pit. At the live auction, a donation of Kampeska Lodge memorabilia by Doris Wilkey brought in over $1,500.

Dale Valberg of Watertown was the winner the golf cart raffle.
Over the past year, the foundation has given $27,960 in teacher grants. These grants help costs outside of the school district’s budget, for both enhanced educational opportunities for students and professional development for district staff.
Several grant recipients addressed the crowd. Middle school teacher Chad Rhode explained how a grant from the foundation was used to cover the cost of driver’s education for lower-income students. Special education instructor Kiara Borkhuis spoke of a sensory room at the Intermediate School, made possible by the foundation. Instructional coach Jennifer Brist talked about Destination Imagination, formerly known as Odyssey of the Mind, which provides opportunities to gifted and talented students. A staff trip, funded by the foundation, was described by Tricia Walker, the district’s instructional design coordinator. Additionally, $200 is given to new teachers entering Watertown School District for classroom setup. In 2024, this totaled $3,800 given by the foundation.

Arrow Education Foundation Director Cris Ortmeier addresses the crowd at Harvest 2024.
In addition to educational enhancements the Arrow Education Foundation acts as the Alumni Association and also awards scholarships to graduating Watertown seniors. Eight class reunions were held in 2024. A total of $51,800 in scholarships was awarded to 56 Class of 2024 graduates.
AEF Director Cris Ortmeier also acknowledged a significant in-kind memorial gift. Sally Maurer Heuer was a long-time substitute teacher in the school district. Following her May 2023 passing, her family made of gift of 130 textbooks in her memory.