By Casey Jarmes | The News-Review
SIGOURNEY – The annual Keokuk County Economic Development Ten Grand Gala was held on Nov. 14. The event, given the “Casino Night” theme featured a dinner, a costume contest won by Matt and Christel Ives, door prizes, and a $10,000 raffle that was won by Amy and Jessie Wilcox. Amy Wilcox, who works at Fidelity Savings Bank, stated “I have no idea. Hadn’t even thought about it,” when asked what she’d do with the money.
KCED, formerly called SADC, has been hosting the Ten Grand Gala for around twenty years. The ticket cost for the night went towards the raffle prize, with the remaining money used to fund KCED’s work helping out with businesses in Keokuk County. KCED gave out $250,000 in start-up and expansion loans to local businesses in the past 18 months. The organization also works with the City of Sigourney and helped start the Keokuk County Childcare Network, which is set to open a daycare in Keota in January.
“It’s a great evening for people to get together. The weather is in our favor; it’s been really cold some of the nights we’ve all had this out here, and I’m feeling pretty good about it,” said KCED Director Gary Iosbaker.
“We always have a good time. It’s always well attended by our community. So I’m feeling really good about it,” said KCED member Lucas Meier. “We had some good ticket sales, and we’re just here to have a good time and just tell what KCED is about.”
During the gala, the annual KCED Star Award, given to “community members who go above and beyond to make a difference – those who offer outstanding service and leadership,” was awarded to Mike and Carol Bensmiller. The Bensmillers are community staples, organize and host the annual community Thanksgiving dinner, have served on the Ministerial Alliance board, and are longtime supporters of the Keokuk County Expo. In addition, Mike serves on the Sigourney School Board, extension board and Lancaster church board, helps with the chain gang, helps out at the food pantry, farms and works at a feed business, while Carol leads the food pantry, assists with funeral dinners, and serves coffee and refreshments at church.
“We’re surprised and very honored,” said Mike Bensmiller.
“And we want to thank our community, for everything,” said Carol Bensmiller.
“The community is what makes it easy for us, because they support us so much” said Mike Bensmiller.
Sponsors for the gala included Ottumwa Radio Group, Misc. On Main, Fidelity Bank & Trust, Brothers Market, Grant Ranch, Complete Care of Iowa, Sigourney Body Shop, Steve Shettler Media, FCA Vision Ag, The News-Review, Hog Slat, Amy’s Salon House & Spa, MidWestOne Bank, Libertyville Savings Bank, and the Greenley Companies.
