Fundraising for the 2026 Star Spangled Spectacular continues to build momentum, with organizers reporting $23,000 raised toward this year’s $50,000 goal.
Co‑chairs Josh Newhouse and Matt Brostad say the second week of the campaign brought a noticeable uptick in support — including increased giving from past donors, several first‑time contributions and donations from individuals who had not participated in years.
Newhouse said the community response reflects strong enthusiasm for this year’s celebration, themed “Built on Freedom, Bound by Community.” He noted that “every donation helps us meet our goal,” and credited both returning and new donors for keeping the campaign on pace.
Brostad said online giving continues to grow and remains an important tool as organizers work to close the remaining fundraising gap.
Residents who wish to contribute may mail donations to:
Josh Newhouse, Fundraising Chair
P.O. Box 457
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Donor Categories Through June 9–15, 2026
- 1776 Society ($1,000 and above) — Energy Transport; VT Industries
- Liberty Bell Ringers ($500–$999) — Russ Eddie; Micki Godbersen; Nutra Tech, Inc.
- Patriots ($350–$499) — Jim Spooner and Judy Quick; Kevin and Julie McKinney
- 250 Club ($250 commemorative level) — A & A Automotive/Adam and Angie Kutz; Gennatos Family Dentistry; Brian and Betsy Lenzmeier; Bob and Patty Payer and Family; City of Lakeside; Goettsch Dispatch
- Skyrockets ($200–$349) — Dr. Lisa R. Lindeman, DDS; Gary and Patricia Armstrong; Steve and Terry Brashears; Dave and Barbara Dvergsten
- Firecrackers ($100–$199) — Bill and Lana Crilly; Loew’s Carpet One Floor & Home; Jane Meyer; Derick and Amanda Bruhn; Dean and Josie Ellingson; Gene and Gloria Lyster; David and Marla Nees; Gary and Cheryl Petersen; Tim Smith; Mike Wilson; The Villager Family Restaurant; Roger and Judy Anderson; Howard Hatlelid; Elements by K. Sorbe; Tom Fitzpatrick; Mike’s Lawn Service; Brenda Nickolisen; Tony and Erin Pertzborn; Steve and Ann Roth; Peter and Julie Steinfeld; Storm Lake Times Pilot; Gilbert and Sally Wilkens; Compass Real Estate; Arvid and Coleen Baughman; Russ and Tracee Dierenfield; Foell Seed LLC/Jon and Kirsten Foell; Bill and Joan Kruse; Lakeshore Cyclery & Fitness; Steven Larsen; Harry and Lynn Schaller; Jason and Lisa Shepherd; Farm Credit Services of America; Steve and Diane Hamilton; two anonymous donors
- Sparklers (up to $99) — Dan and Laurie Gaffney; Don and Lois Crouch; Clair O. Thompson; Jeff Stark; Brent and Debra Hendriks; Jerry and Sandy Hurd; Joann Larson; Connie Stille; Vista Paints; Jeff and LaDonna Brummer; Pat Cowan; Steve and Jane Culbertson; Mark and Mary Erickson; Storm Lake I.O.O.F. Lodge #221; Shannon and Michele Kelly; Rick and Donna Phillips; Kathy Pomrenke; Tim and Erin Smith; Rob and Michelle Smith; Bruce and Ann Storm; Mike and Barb Wells; Bryan and Leann Baumhover; Khamlo and Houng Khounlo; Marlene Morrow; Russ and Amy Chrischilles; Rita Smith; Lyn and Diana Berkland; Susan and Troy Briggs; Ben and Judy Malcom; Rick and Janet Anderson; Bob and Jean Bennett; Mike and Feryle Berkland; Doug and Coleen Imming; Ed and Mary Kay Larsen; Brad and Sondi Raveling; Delores Sievers; Beth Dawson; Janet Halder; one anonymous donor
