WELLS  — The United South Central Education Foundation hosted its first fundraiser Friday, and according to the foundation President Dan Hart, it was a resounding success.

Over $24,000 was raised during USC’s Price is Right fundraiser, which closely mimicked the popular TV show with games including Rebel Plinko, Punch-a-Bunch and Lucky 7s.

Hart said the event was made possible through contributions from area individuals and businesses as well as a partnership with Triton Middle School in Dodge Center.

Hart’s wife, Ami, a teacher at the school, first mentioned the idea of a Price is Right-themed fundraiser. Hart said the suggestion fit with the group’s goal of wanting to host a fundraiser people of all ages would enjoy.

The group then learned of Triton Middle School’s fundraiser and worked closely with the school on how to run the event.

Hart said members of the Triton fundraising team shared ideas on how to build the games, as well as the show script. Since Triton’s fundraiser took place prior to USC’s event, five members of the foundation attended Triton’s dress rehearsal, and three attended the live event.

“They were instrumental in helping us get started,” Hart said.

He said the generosity of the community was essential in the success of the fundraiser. Many businesses donated prizes or funding to support a game. Dairy Queen donated the ice cream and toppings for the Ice is Right ice cream bar at the event. The ice cream bar, as well as the concession stands, were manned by USC staff who volunteered their time. All the proceeds from the food sales benefited the foundation, as well.

Hart said about 520 tickets were sold for the event at $10 a piece. Additional funds were raised by the second-chance raffle. All the prizes not won through the show were won through the raffle. Prizes included a pool party for 200 and a private movie theater party.

Second-chance items also included the outdoor showcase items, which were not won. Items included a two-night stay at a cabin in northern Minnesota for two couples with a fishing guide and meals included, a 12 by 12-foot patio to be installed within the district by Schrader Enterprises and a barbecue grill.

The winning showcase was a Twin Cities getaway package that included five tickets to a Vikings football game at U. S. Bank Stadium, a two-night stay at the Marriott and four tickets to the Science Museum of Minnesota.

“The community support was absolutely fantastic,” Hart said.

The funds raised during the event will be used to support educational programming not funded by the general fund.

“What that could be ranges from A to Z,” Hart said.

Beginning this fall, teachers will be able to apply for grants from the foundation. Evaluations will be done quarterly by the foundation to determine where the funding will be used.

Those who would like to see video footage taken at the event can do so by visiting the United South Central Education Foundation Facebook page.

Hart said the event will return next year.