Courtesy of Amanda Wehnes with the Arnold Sentinel
ARNOLD – More than 200 people filled the community center on Saturday for an
evening of food, fun, and philanthropy to benefit the Arnold Community
Foundation Fund.
The ACFF is a non-profit organization that provides financial or
operational assistance for projects within the community. In the past
year, they provided financial assistance for the fountain aerators at
the Arnold Recreation Area; the improved weight room at the school; the
Little Library in Koubek Gardens; light pole revitalization along
Highway 92 downtown; the Arnold Area Museum project; and the
non-profit umbrella organization for the Dolly Parton Imagination
Library project.
This is the 13th year the Foundation has held its annual meal and
auction fundraiser to raise funds for community projects. Each year an
individual and a group is honored for their volunteerism and
philanthropy to the Arnold community. This year, two individuals and one
group were honored for their contributions to our community.
Mike Harvey and Mary Becker were named Philanthropists of the Year for
their many years of helping their community. Harvey, a former Arnold
The Public School principal was honored for his service to his country as a
Vietnam veteran, his tenure on the planning and zoning boards for Arnold
and Custer County, and most importantly his work with the American
Legion Post 130.
Harvey is the catalyst for the scrap metal recycling program that helps
fund the services the Legion Post provides to area veterans and the
community at large, including no-cost rental of medical equipment –
wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, etc – for those needing short-term
use of these items following surgery or illness.
Becker, who is married to Harvey, was honored for her commitment to
Arnold through her work on the Rialto Theater board of directors, Arnold
Rotary Club, grant writing assistance to area nonprofits, and her past
work to build the Arnold Community Center. Becker is currently the
President and Manager of the Rialto Theater, a volunteer-run movie
theater in Arnold, that offers an affordable option to enjoy new movies
without having to leave town or break the bank for a night out.
The philanthropy group award was given to the William A Layton American
Legion Post 130 in Arnold. An anonymous donor paid for area veterans to
attend the event and enjoy a meal free of charge. More than 20 veterans
were on hand to receive the award – which honored them not only for
their service to their country through their respective military
branches, but also for the services they provide to the community,
including the Honor Guard for veterans funerals, sporting events, and
community ceremonies; supplying low-cost American flags to people in the
community and free disposal of tattered flags; programs at the school
for Veteran’s Day and at the cemetery for Memorial Day; teaching school
children about the values of Americanism and patriotism; and their
medical equipment loan program for the community.
Members of the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion to
receive the award included Mike Harvey, Josh Flint, Ray Pearman, Ed
Pierson, John Phillips, Steve Graff, Bill Miller, Jim Long, Gary
Halstead, Don Olson, Dave Crow, Buzz Lohmiller, Don Brosius, Duane
Bowers, Robbie Smith, Robert Jones, Grant Jones, Ed Tullis, and Tom Dennis.
This year there were 50 silent auction items and 61 live auction items
donated by area businesses and individuals to help raise money for the
ACFF. Auctioneer Wendell Brott with Brott Auction Services kept things
rolling along with help from ringmen Dustin Wyckoff, Gary Blevins, and
Josh Flint.
Silent auction items ranged from South Loup Bobcat clothing to handmade
soaps to gift certificates to local businesses. The live auction items
were higher-priced donations including bags of seed corn, a gun safe,
Margaret Ann Mills’s famous carrot cake, and many firearms. Proceeds
from the auction exceeded $64,000 this year.
The steak meal was catered by Around the Block Catering in Cozad and the
bar service was provided by Grazers Bar and Grill.
Board members for the ACFF are Gary Blevins, Renee Bubak, Aaron Coleman,
Shane Cool, Becky Dailey, Holly Remund. Shellie Smith, and Jason Wehnes.
Those interested in joining the board or donating to the ACFF are
encouraged to speak to a board member.
