A unique fundraiser is coming up to help support the Pershing Mural and plans for the area surrounding the restored artwork at Wyuka Park.
The Cake Social is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Organizer Ellen Sartore says guests will need to buy a ticket and bring a cake to participate. Attendees can sample other cakes, with boxes provided so they can take samples home. The event will also feature music, a coffee cart and a silent auction. Proceeds will support the Pershing Mural’s maintenance endowment and future improvements at Wyuka Park.
Liz Shey McCoy, who has led the effort to preserve and relocate the mural, says the original $4.1 million fundraising goal for the mural has been met. Organizers are now raising an additional $360,000 to $400,000 for landscaping, a stage, lighting and security cameras. “We promised the trustees before that we started the installation that we would have the full $4.1 million dollars raised. We took care of that,” McCoy said. “Now Nebraskans like to do things big. So does this old gal.”
McCoy said about $250,000 has already been raised for the mural’s maintenance endowment, but organizers want to build up the fund to help pay for future upkeep. The long-term vision is for the Wyuka site to become a community gathering place that can host arts festivals and educational events. McCoy said a curriculum has also been developed around the Pershing Mural, allowing educators from across Nebraska to bring students to the site to study the artwork.
Sartore said the Cake Social is intended to be more than just a fundraiser, with bakers encouraged to participate whether they are professionals or simply enjoy making cakes. Cakes can also be entered for judging, with awards offering bragging rights.
Tickets and information about the Cake Social are available Here.