Tickets still available for Kernels playhouse raffle; proceeds benefit Four Oaks

With just 17 home games remaining on the Cedar Rapids Kernels' schedule, excitement is building for the announcement of the winner of the large, professionally built playhouse that has been a permanent fixture in the stadium's concourse.

“We have had a lot of wide-eyed kids out here who are convinced the playhouse will soon be theirs,” said Carl Sefl on behalf of The Building Pros of Eastern Iowa, who have built the playhouse for the express purpose of using it as a means for raising funds for Four Oaks children's programming.

Sefl noted that the best part of the playhouse is that not only will it benefit the lucky winner, but it will have a lasting and significant impact on countless other local children.

The playhouse is a project created by Building Pros of Eastern Iowa. The group, which represents area skilled trade unions, union contractors, and suppliers, is committed to making a difference in the lives of children. All proceeds (100%) from the raffle are designated for Four Oaks.

“This raffle is another example of the tremendous amount of work and support our union and management friends have contributed to the kids and families we serve,” said Liz Mathis, Four Oaks chief information officer. “From the union carpenters who spent hundreds of hours building the playhouse to the countless contractors and subcontractors to the skilled trades and the management, they know what it takes to make a big impact on a community. We can't really begin to calculate the number of kids who will benefit from their generosity.”

“This raffle is another example of the tremendous amount of work that Built by Pros has done for the children and families we serve,” said Liz Mathis, Four Oaks chief information officer. “The group made up of contractors, suppliers and skilled trade building industry unions in the area know what it takes to make a big impact on a community. We can't really begin to calculate the number of kids who will benefit from their generosity.”

Organizers estimate the cost of the playhouse at more than $15,000, including the hundreds of hours of construction time and the donated materials.

The drawing for the playhouse will be held during the Kernels' last home game on Monday, September 3. Tickets are just $1 each (six for $5 and twelve for $10) and are still available at the Kernels' games and in the stadium gift shop.

Four Oaks is one of the state's largest child welfare, juvenile justice and behavioral health agencies. Four Oaks and its affiliates serve more then 14,000 children and families in all 99 Iowa counties.

For more information, visit the Four Oaks website at www.fouroaks.org.

For more information about The Building Pros of Eastern Iowa visit www.builtbypros.com