Cowgirl to the Rescue

That little child in the cowgirl hat is one feisty, determined cookie.
 
Grace Reed, 11, of Kasson, is determined to raise enough money to install a new merry-go-round in West Park.
The goal is to raise $9,000 to replace the old merry-go-round. Grace and her friends enjoyed pushing it around and jumping on board, but it no longer met safety standards and has been removed from the site adjoining the Kasson Public Library.
“When they took it out, my friends and I were just bummed,” said Grace, who lives in the northwest Kasson neighborhood. “It just popped up in my head: I want to get a new merry-go-round. I thought it would be fun for the kids of Kasson. That’s what I needed to do, to make it happen.”
She secured many signatures of support, including those of Dodge County Sheriff Scott Rose and state Sen. Dave Senjem (R-Rochester), and hopes to hold a fundraiser, complete with a bake sale and silent auction.
She also has spoken with City Administrator Theresa Coleman, Kasson Park and Recreation Supervisor Ron Unger, and Public Library director Art Tiff. 
Grace was convincing. The city will match the amount she raises.
Local businesses have donated items for the silent auction and money for the fundraiser. One high bidder would receive a two-hour cruise on Lake Pepin.
“I think her dad (Kurt) and I have just always told her, if she wants something that’s for a good cause, you need to work and make it happen,” said Grace’s mother, Cynthia Reed. “She has a very kind heart. She wants to do this, not just for herself but for all the kids her age who thought the merry-go-round was so much fun. I’m very proud of her for going out there and getting what she wants.”
The tiny cowgirl – who received a horse for Christmas – and her brother Ryan, 12, also sold Kool-Aid a while back, raising money to save the former Kasson public school.
She’s enjoying the merry-go-round fundraising project as well.
“I just think it’s fun to see people and their perspective on it, and if they had experiences at West Park,” Grace said. “Just knowing how many other people wanted it back.”
Call Grace at 507-208-9064 for more information or to donate to the merry-go-round cause.