Kickback Korner raises funds for PTO

Local bar and grill, Kickback Korner located on Main Street, sponsored a fundraiser to benefit the Alkek Elementary PTO on Saturday, April 30. PTO President Autumn Branscome reported that the barbeque dinner made $11,340 to go toward the cost of a new playscape for the school.

The new play structure will replace the previous structure known as “Big Blue” on the upper grades’ playground. “

The blue play structure is showing its age,” said Principal Dixie Moseley. The play structure she is referencing is over 20 years old, installed before 2000.

Moseley also remarked, “Discussions about the need for a new play structure and general playground upgrades began last year, but the fundraising project began at the beginning of this school year.”

Getting everyone involved, the Alkek students were asked to choose between two options and vote on the one they liked the best. The structure, purchased from Gulf Coast Recreation, will be installed this summer by community volunteers.

“We are blown away by the generosity and support of our community and the owners of Kickback Korner for hosting such a fun and successful fundraiser.” PTO President Branscome said.. Our playground project has been a labor of love for our students, and it would not be possible without the continuous support of our amazing donors and volunteers.”

The restaurant blocked off their section of Cedar Street for the event. The smell of barbeque permeated downtown as the chicken and sausage cooked on a large outdoor grill drawing in visitors and locals alike.

Providing music for the event, local band Rebel Roxie started off the festivities at noon with a set of easy to listen to tunes. The kids were entertained with a Bounce House, and a dunking booth. Children’s shouts and laughter was easy to hear as they dunked staff sitting in the booth. Principal Moseley was a favorite target to be dunked when she sat in the booth.

Tammy Condel, Attendance and Registration Clerk remarked, “Kickback Korner donated all of this to the PTO. We have had a very successful day; Kickback Korner has done a great job putting this together.”

Other playground upgrades planned are soccer goals and an additional shade area, both due to be completed over the summer.

The barbeque chicken and sausage dinners were a hit with supporters. The tables set up for patrons to enjoy their lunch were all filled throughout the afternoon. Adults milled around chatting and watching the activities while the chicken cooked.

“The excitement over the new playground is palpable on campus. I am excited about the new experiences the kids will have, but I am most proud of how the community has come together to support the students of Alkek,” said Principal Dixie Moseley.

While the project was anticipated to stretch more than a year, “thanks to the generosity of the families and businesses of Bandera, we will have it completed in less than a year,” remarked Moseley.

BTX Nutrition is also hosting a fundraiser on Friday, May 6 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will donate a percentage of their profits for the day to the Alkek PTO.