In a follow-up to our report earlier this month, with regard to a fund-raising effort for the addition of turf to the Trojan Bowl (in Atlantic), the Atlantic Schools Booster Club and the Facility Improvement Committee (FIC), announced today (Friday), that the Atlantic Bottling Company and the Tyler family, have offered a matching grant of up to $100,000, for renovations to the Trojan Bowl. The matching funds must be raised between now and the end of March, 2020.

Kirk Tyler has said that the Atlantic Bottling Company is excited to partner with the Booster Club and FIC because “Of the critically important role Atlantic’s school system is in attracting new residents and future employees.” For several decades, Atlantic has been home to Atlantic Bottling Company, and they appreciate the support the community has shown them throughout the years. The Booster Club/FIC says the bottling company views the fundraising project as their way to give back to the community.

The 9.5-million dollar bond issue passed last year to make major improvements to Atlantic’s current outdoor athletic facilities did not include the later addition of field turf at the Trojan Bowl. The Booster Club and Facilities Committee  have been working with private donors since that time, to offset the additional cost of field turf. To date, $115,000 has been collected or pledged. Officials say if Atlantic Bottling’s matching grant financial challenge if reach by the end of March, that would generate another $200,000 toward the project.

The Atlantic Schools Booster Club is a 501-3c non-profit organization. A dedicated account allowing persons to make tax-free donations toward the project, has been established at Rolling Hills Bank and Trust. Donations of any amount are welcome from individuals and businesses. Make checks payable to: Atlantic Schools Booster Club, and send to the Rolling Hills Bank and Trust, Attn.: Emily Freund, 1307 E. 7th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022.

As previously mentioned, there are five Booster Club donation recognition levels for a plaque at the Trojan Bowl: “Players” at $300-$999; Those who contribute $1,000 to $2,499 are at the “Black: level; The “Gold” level is for funds from $5,000 to $9,999; “Letter Winner” is $10,000 to $49,999; and, “Trojan Head” level donation recognition is for those donations of $50,000 and above. Scoreboard advertising panels are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, for area businesses. Contact Andy Mitchell, Asst. Principal/Athletic Director, at 712-243-5364, for more details.