‘Flood the Lot’ fundraiser to aid disaster victims

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It wasn’t a matter of if, just a matter of when.

That’s what Adam Bailey, owner of The Jack in downtown Cloquet, felt about spearheading an event to raise funds for the county's Flood Relief Fund, in support of the residents of Carlton County who lost their homes and possessions following the recent flooding.

Bailey had gotten a first-hand look at some of the worst of the damage a couple of weeks ago when he toured downtown Carlton in his capacity as interim mayor of that village.

“We had some water in the basement of our business in Cloquet and lost our furnace and water heater,” he related, “but I couldn’t believe what these people were going through, and I wondered, ‘What can we do for them?’”

And so, Bailey and his mother, Jan, put their heads together and decided to hold a fundraiser to rally support from the citizens of Carlton County on behalf of the residents whose homes and businesses were stricken by the flood waters.

“We felt we needed to do something as soon as possible, before the people who were unaffected by the flood went on with their lives,” said Jan.

This Sunday, July 15, from noon to 8 p.m., the Baileys and the city of Cloquet plan to host a “Flood the Lot” flood relief festival in the city lot behind The Jack, located at 1016 Cloquet Ave.

“Since the government declared this a disaster area,” said Adam, “we figured the city of Cloquet would be willing to help us out with this, and they were.”

He said the city has agreed to provide the fencing to cordon off the area, allow the lot to be used for the event, provide security and rig up an electric pole for the bands that will perform during the event.

“Mayor [Bruce] Ahlgren has even volunteered to man a shift in our dunk tank!” said Adam.

In addition to the dunk tank, there will be a beanbag toss and T-ball for the kids, live bands and a giant food booth featuring pulled pork sandwiches, polish sausage, hot dogs and pop, all donated by Upper Lakes Foods. There will be a beer garden for adults as well as a T-shirt booth, where flood relief T-shirts will be on sale in a variety of eye-catching styles.

A Live Auction will take place at 4 p.m., featuring the talents of auctioneer Tim Dahl and many exciting gift packages from area businesses.

“We simply went around to businesses asking if we could put up posters in their windows,” said Adam, “and so many of them said they wanted to make donations toward the auction.”

Anyone willing to donate items to the auction should bring them to The Jack as soon as possible or call 218-879-5939.

While the flood relief event is free and open to the public, the Baileys said there will be a donation bucket at the gate for anyone who wishes to donate to the flood relief effort and help their neighbors out.

“We need big-time participation from the community – let’s make this a big success!” said Jan.

A goal of $20,000 has been set, though the hope is that the total might go much higher. Woodlands National Bank has offered to match the first $2,500 donated, and others have indicated they may do so as well.

A flood fundraiser rummage sale will also be held Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. upstairs at The Jack. Bring your donated items in, and stop by for some great buys in support of your neighbors in need.

“So many people have been affected by the flooding,” said Adam. “We hope this will not only raise money to help them out, but give those folks a chance to get away for a little while, relax and enjoy the day.”

Tags: carlton county, flood 2012, how to help, cloquet