COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Wild West proved to be wildly successful in raising a record wagonload of cash for the local kidscommons children’s museum after sundown Friday at a ranch better known as The Commons.
A crowd of more than 300 cowpokes amid that grand, Western theme raised a record gross of $100,000 — $20,000 beyond organizers’ goal — at for the cause at Carnivale, an annual celebration of the value of the venue at 309 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Before the pandemic, kidscommons regularly attracted 50,000 visitors per year.
“The event was a huge success and we are so grateful for the support we’ve received,” said Whitney Hartwell, kidscommons interim executive director.
Rick and Jean Chaille purchased the top auction for $3,000 — a Cowboy retreat including a three-night stay to a secluded cabin in Medora, a personal chef for vittles for up to six people by Honey and Herb and a Cork Liquors gift card.
“The wild west theme was a HUGE hit,” Hartwell said. “Almost all guests participated.”
The event featured a mechanical bull and line dancing amid its Wild West motif.
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