Christmas at Panther Creek generates record-breaking $20,840

January 25, 2020 | 12:06 am

Updated January 24, 2020 | 8:25 pm

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Christmas at Panther Creek Park check presentations took place at Thursday’s Fiscal Court meeting, where it was announced that 2019 generated more money for agencies across Daviess County than ever before.

According to Daviess County Parks & Recreation Director Ross Leigh, the five agencies awarded Thursday night donated 35 nights of their time during the month of December to help make the Christmas at Panther Creek Park event a success.

The price per vehicle was raised to $5 for 2019, which contributed to record-breaking numbers.

“This year we have been very successful,” Leigh said. “We did raise the per-vehicle rate to be able to [continue Christmas at Panther Creek] and that had very little, if any, effect on our collections.”

Leigh said the 2019 event saw 3,472 cars come through, generating $20,840 — the largest amount of money ever collected.

While the amount of money generated turned out better than ever, Leigh said 2019 saw a decrease in vehicles come through the park compared to 2018, when 5,234 made the trip through Panther Creek Park.

“Be that as it may, over the last 16 years, Christmas at Panther Creek has generated $163,694 in collections, of which $81,847 has been distributed among 75 organizations here in Daviess County,” he said.

The five agencies presented with checks Thursday included the Burns Middle School dance team, the Daviess County Diabetes Coalition, the Sorgho Elementary School PTO, St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter and the Bishop Soenneker Knights of Columbus 10725.

“On behalf of St. Benedict’s, the staff and board, I’d like to thank everybody who did this,” said Jeff Berry, associate case manager at St. Benedict’s. “To help us keep on with our mission to serve the community and help change these guys and their hearts, one guy at a time.”

Any Daviess County agency interested in applying for next year’s Christmas at Panther Creek event can call Daviess County Parks & Recreation at any time to get their name on the list. Applications will officially go out in September 2020.

January 25, 2020 | 12:06 am

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