Avera pledges $70,000 match for weight room project

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Avera Queen of Peace Hospital has offered to match up to $70,000 for a Mitchell High School weight room project.

Avera made the announcement Saturday morning in a news release.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous offer from Tom Clark and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital," said Superintendent Joe Graves.

He said Avera Queen of Peace President and CEO Tom Clark toured the existing weight room and then decided, after meeting with Avera's leadership team, to pledge a $70,000 match to the parents who are working to improve the weight room.

Geoff Gross, athletic director, said volunteers will continue their fundraising.

"With the incentive from Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, donors are, in a sense, able to double their donation because of the match," Gross said. "I am confident this offer will energize the campaign.”

Clark said, “Avera Queen of Peace has a longstanding partnership with the Mitchell public schools. We have been providing athletic training and sports medicine support to the Mitchell schools for years. This offer is a natural extension and continued commitment of our long-term relationship. We are dedicated to helping our community with projects that benefit the health and well-being of our youth.

"Dr. Graves, and Geoff Gross, athletic director, made a good case for improving and expanding the weight room facilities. Knowing that many enthusiastic and sincere parents and community members are willing to step up to assist with this project, it seemed our dedication to the community and youth really called us to support and promote the success of this project.”

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