EASTERN IOWA AUCTION COMPANY GIVES $10,000 TO THE ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Local auctioneer gives back to the community that has supported him
WEST LIBERTY, IA – Eastern Iowa Auction Company, owned by Donovan and Sara Yoder, is giving $10,000 to the West Liberty School District to help build softball bullpens at the new athletic complex. Donovan Yoder, a professionally trained auctioneer, started auctioning at a young age, and his business has grown over the years. Donovan also donates his auctioneering services to charities and fundraisers in West Liberty.
“I think it’s important to give back,” said Donovan. “The people in West Liberty have been good to me. They support my business and it’s a way for me to say thank you. Giving to the school project will benefit my kids, but also the kids of my friends and customers.”
The Yoders live outside of the district on a farm north of Atalissa but have two children, Emma and Blake, open enrolled in the district. In addition to the auction company, they farm grain crops and raise hogs.
“We have lived in the area for over fifteen years now, and as we got to know people in West Liberty, we made the decision to open enroll the kids here,” said Sara. “We were impressed by the friendliness and loyalty of the community.”
Sara is an accounting manager at John Deere and understands the importance of providing extracurricular activities and experiences for youth. She has seen the benefits firsthand when young people join her team at John Deere.
“When kids participate in extracurricular activities they gain many benefits,” said Sara. “They learn to work as a team, multi-task, work hard to compete, and hone skills. All these things translate to the work environment.”
The Yoders are one of many young families stepping up to give to the project. The district has hosted meetings with several donors and fundraising has topped $650,000 with a goal to reach $2 million.
“This is phenomenal and completely beyond my expectations,” said Adam Loria, Activities Director. “West Liberty is the most generous community I know. Donovan and Sara are an example of families that already donate a lot of volunteer time to the community and now are putting money behind the school. It was great to meet them.”
The school district hopes to raise $2 million so the planning and construction of the indoor facility can begin shortly after the outdoor facilities are complete. The outdoor facilities should be completed by the fall of 2023.
“We are getting ready to go to bid on the outdoor facilities,” said Superintendent Shaun Kruger. “The project is progressing on schedule, and the fundraising success has given us a big boost. Every time I meet with people like Donovan and Sara Yoder it reinforces the move I made to West Liberty. I want to thank them for their gift and all they do for West Liberty.”
Contacts:
Shaun Kruger, West Liberty Superintendent 319-627-2116
Adam Loria, West Liberty Activities Director 319-627-2116