The group raising funds for developing a skate park in Owensville has a special treat in store for you on Feb. 16 with a dinner and auction planned at the Owensville Lions Club’s Den on Krausetown Road.

So far, the group has raised a little over $3,000 with events including a chili cook-off last fall, a bake sale, and a campaign to set pink flamingos in yards.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for the Saturday dinner auction on Feb. 16. A silent auction is scheduled for a closing at 7:30. Dinner will be at 6:30 and a live auction is starting at 8 p.m.

“If people have four hours to spare this would be a great time and make it a date for Valentines weekend,” said Kyla Walters, an organizer of the event and dedicated “skater mom.”

No one under the age of 18 allowed at the event and tickets are $25. Contact Walters at 573-680-9742 for reservations or email owensvilleskatepark@gmail.com.

If you are unable to attend but would like to donate an item or monetary you can contact Walters for pickup or go to the Skateparks donation page at www.tinyurl.com/owensvilleskatepark.

All donations are tax deductible through the Owensville Area Community Foundation.

“The kids have been going around to the businesses taking letters and talking to them,” said Walters. “They went out Monday in 30-degree weather and went to local businesses. I am really proud of the kids for stepping up and wanting to make these contacts.  These kids really want this and we need this for the community. They are just normal kids wanting something to do and safe place to skate, scoot and ride.”

If you wish to mail a donation you can mail it to the Ozarks Community Foundation at P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, Mo., 65801.

The OACF is affiliated with the OCF. 

Doing your research on this group, you can find out more information by checking out their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts under Owensville Skatepark to keep up on the progress and upcoming events.

Other events on their schedule include a visit tomorrow (Thursday) to White Mule Winery where they will be doing a live Fidelity TV Channel 95/Radio 1560 AM interview and talking about the skate park with host Charlie Schlottach. Walter, her son, Aidan, Dana Hampton, president of the Owensville Park Board, and Matt Fletcher, a member of the skate park committee, are scheduled to be interviewed by Schlottach and his son and guest host, Gus. 

Miller House Pub & Cafe´ is also collecting cash donations and silent auction items for the skate park now until Thursday, Feb. 7. Brenda Miller, owner, asked that donations be dropped off by 5 p.m. Feb. 7. She is also planning to make a donation at that time, according to her establishment’s Facebook page.

“Let’s help the skate park and the community!” she posted. “Any donations will be accepted and appreciated.”