The Perryville Knights of Columbus Council No. 1263’s 51st annual Tootsie Roll Drive treated donors with the small chocolate candies but had a much larger treat for the whole community, particularly for Lucas Fritsche.
“Every year, the Knights of Columbus both in Missouri and in Illinois raise funds for the developmentally disabled,” said Tootsie Roll Drive Chairman and Knights of Columbus Membership Director Tom Zarlingo. “Our local goal was $5,000. We had our best year this year.”
In total, the Tootsie Roll Drive raised $8,856 in 2023 for the developmentally disabled. The Knights of Columbus decided to give to the construction of an all-inclusive playground in Perryville.
In total, the Knights of Columbus donated $4,028 of the Tootsie Roll Drive’s proceeds for Fritsche to use toward funding his playground.
The proceeds will go towards the second phase of the Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventure.
The Knights of Columbus has donated money to the playground project for the last six years, which has totaled $19,284. This is the third year the money will go to Phase 2 of the project.
The completed phase included a huge ramping structure, tree house and musical equipment.
The project took $500,000 to complete through donations and various fundraising efforts. The playground officially opened Oct. 6, 2021.
The project was recently rewarded a grant to help fund Phase 2, which will include swings, a pavilion, and other features. A site plan can be viewed at the park now.