Slush Fund Benefit debuts Saturday

How about a photograph with Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff dressed as Elvis Presley?

Or a foot-stompin' good time dancing or listening to country, rock and roll and gospel music?

If that gets your blood pumping, the first ever Slush Fund Benefit is the place to be from 6-10:30 p.m. Saturday, according to organizer Tom Mullally.

The benefit will be in the gymnasium at the Plymouth County Historical Museum, 335 First Ave. S.W., Le Mars.

Money raised will be used for expenses associated with two annual benefits Mullally sponsors to raise money for local organizations, held the weekend prior to the Old Country Music Festival each August.

"In previous years, I've paid for it out of my pocket and it's gotten too expensive," he said.

For example, Slush Fund money might be used for items like entertainers' advance fees, lighting or hall rental, Mullally said.

One of the entertainers Saturday includes the Kooi Kids, from Inwood, S.D., with their harmonizing Gospel and contemporary music.

The oldest boy plays keyboard and guitar while the youngest plays fiddle, Mullally said.

"They are home-schooled in music and all subjects," he said. "They're just awesome."

Other artists featured at Saturday's Slush Benefit will include Terry Durr, Paul Bennett and Wayne Longtin, all of Le Mars, the band Sidetrack, from Le Mars and Omaha, Neb., Ed and Kathy Dovel, of Council Bluffs, and Silvertip, of Crofton, Neb., along with Mullally and his wife Patty.

Although many of the performers will belt out country or Gospel tunes, there will also be Elvis impersonators and even some Frank Sinatra crooners, Mullally said.

"I'm going to do an Elvis medley," he said. "The mayor, he's going to be dressed up in one of my Elvis suits and he's going to have pictures taken. He'll be out amongst the audience goofing around."

Those pictures will sell for $10 apiece.

People attending will be asked for a free-will donation. There will also be a light snack bar.

"It's fun," Mullally said of the Slush Fund Benefit. "It's something different to do in Le Mars."