July 1, 2011 at 6:08 p.m.
Pieces of RHS court to benefit HFF
Bucketheads set to host official retirement party for court Tuesday
Pieces of RHS court to benefit HFF
By Andrew Hildebrand-
The School District of Rhinelander recently granted exclusive rights to the old floor to the Hodag Facilities Foundation, who plans to sell it, piece by piece, to raise money for new and improved facilities.
Some of the floor was sold in bulk to people for use in their homes, but the foundation has saved 1,000 square feet for individual sale.
"It was really a collaboration of ideas," said Susan Makris, who is a member of the foundation's board of directors and was part of the process since its planning stages. "We saw that some other school districts did similar things when they were trying to replace their gymnasium floors. We kind of started from there."
The floor was already scheduled for removal due to the major school renovation, so the funds raised will be pooled into the foundation's capital campaign.
They started with the goal of raising $1 million dollars, and thanks to numerous donations, including a sum of $250,000 from Jim and Jean Miazga, have so far raised a total of $700,000.
The funds are already being used for much needed improvements.
"We're building a new digital media center, as well as 12 additional baskets and a digital scoreboard in the gym," Makris said. "Also, there was very little included in the referendum about the swimming pool. We're making sure it gets an update. When the kids go back in the fall, it will look like a brand new pool."
On Tuesday, July 5, The Hodag Facilities Foundation will host an official retirement party for the floor at Bucketheads Sports Bar and Grill. The Lake George Music Club will perform, and Bucketheads owner and 1998 Rhinelander High School graduate Mike Hastreiter plans on running a number of drink specials and, donating a portion of the night's proceeds to the foundation.
The individual pieces of the floor will be available for purchase at the event. The boards are laser engraved to commemorate the floor's great history.
"Each piece of the floor conveys a different meaning and memory," said Steve Jensen, HFF board member and former RHS student, teacher and coach. "When you look at the piece of the floor, it's as if the moment comes back to life.
For more information on the Hodag Facilities Foundation celebration event, or to purchase a piece of the floor call the HFF office at (715) 369-0900 or visit www.hodagfacilities.com
The retirement party for the court is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
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