Rush Rally 2026: What a Night to Rev Up for Education!

The engines were loud, the laughter was louder, and the generosity? Absolutely full throttle.
On February 6, more than 130 community members packed the Spare Room at Chucker’s Bowl for Rush Rally 2026 — and together, we raced past $20,000 raised for Rush City students and teachers.
From the moment doors opened at 6:00 p.m., the room buzzed with energy. Friends reconnected. Alumni came home. Local businesses showed up strong. And everywhere you looked, someone was jumping into the action.

Games, Cheers & Friendly Competition

The onsite fundraising games kept the adrenaline high all evening long:
Lightning Lap Lottery had guests lining up to donate, draw, and discover their prize tier.
Pit Stop Trivia Challenge sparked quick thinking (and a few competitive debates).
Rev It Up Dice Derby brought suspense with every roll.
Victory Lap 50/50 built anticipation all night as the pot climbed higher and higher.
Every ticket purchased, every dice roll, and every correct trivia answer helped fuel classroom innovation and student opportunity. Fun? Absolutely. Impactful? Even more so.

The Rev It Up Bid Rally

More than 40 incredible silent auction packages turned bidding into a sport of its own. From Minnesota sports memorabilia to family experiences, dining packages to handcrafted treasures, guests circled tables, checked their phones, and made their final bids before the 8:00 p.m. close.
It wasn’t just about winning great items — it was about investing in great futures.

Alumni Talent Takes the Stage

The night featured a lineup of Rush City alumni who helped make the evening unforgettable. Dalton Ramberg (2018) kept the program rolling as emcee. Priscilla Nelson Mitchell (1974) brought heart and humor. It was a true hometown showcase. Minnesota comedian Chad Filley delivered a high-energy set that had tables roaring with laughter. Katie Groh (2019) captured every smile, paddle raise, and winning moment through her photography.

Raise Your Flag – Fund a Dream

Then came the moment that brought the room together.
During Raise Your Flag – Fund a Dream, guests lifted their flags high in support of purchasing a Fusion Edge 12 Laser Engraver and Cutter for Rush City Public Schools.
By the end of the appeal, more than $13,000 had been raised for this powerful, hands-on learning tool.
This isn’t “someday” learning.
This is career pathway learning — right now.
The new equipment will support Engineering, STEM, Fabrication, Graphic Arts, Product Design, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Makerspace learning — giving students direct experience with the kinds of skills Minnesota employers are seeking.

A special thank you to Anderson & Koch Ford, the top Fund a Dream donor, along with five additional leadership-level gifts that helped push the project across the finish line.
When those flags went up across the room, it was more than a donation moment. It was a community saying, “We believe in our students.”

Winner Circle Leaders

We also proudly recognize our Winner Circle Leaders — those who stepped up in a big way to sponsor full tables and champion the mission:
Mike Carroll
Coleman McDonough
Dan & Debbie Dahlberg
Donnette Wheelock
East Central Auto Sales
Dr. William & Mae Kieper
Perreault Chiropractic
Plastech Corporation
Prefer Paving & Ready Mix
Rush City Car Wash
Soft Dental
Your leadership set the pace for the entire evening.

More Than a Fundraiser

Rush Rally 2026 was more than dinner, games, and comedy.
It was neighbors investing in neighbors. Alumni giving back. Businesses supporting the next generation of employees, leaders, and innovators.
Because of this incredible community, the Rush City Education Foundation continues its mission to ignite curiosity, creativity, and opportunity in our schools — building on nearly $170,000 awarded since 2013.

The Race Continues

Missed the Rally but still want to be part of the impact? It’s not too late to fuel the mission.
Every gift — large or small — helps fund innovative classroom grants, hands-on career learning tools, and scholarships for Rush City seniors. The momentum from Rush Rally 2026 is still building, and you can help carry it forward.
Visit our donation page and join the drive to support Rush City students and teachers. Because when our community invests in education, everyone wins.

Rush Rally Winners’ Circle

The Rush Rally Winners’ Circle honors Pit Crew Lead sponsors who demonstrate a strong commitment to educational enrichment for students and support for teachers. Thank-you for your leadership and generosity.

Carlson Plumbing and Heating
Mike Carroll
Coleman McDonough
Dan and Debbie Dahlberg
Donnette Wheelock
William and Mae Kieper

KEY PROGRAMS