SIDNEY — Steve Eddingfield, of Fair Funding in Cincinnati, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Sidney.

Fair Funding is raising funds to build a new grandstand at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.

Eddingfield said that Fair Funding comprises three employees and they all have between 15 and 28 years’ experience in raising funds. The have assisted fairgrounds in Columbiana, Mercer, Wood and Shelby counties.

After meeting with the fair board and county commissioners, Eddingfield said, their first order of business was to interview various people in the county to gauge community support. The results of the survey were very encouraging so they decided to accept the project. They are being paid a flat rate which is being shared equally between the fair board and county.

The cost of the new grandstand is estimated to be between $550,000 and $750,000 dollars. Eddingfield said, “This is a one and done” campaign. Once the campaign is wrapped up, there will be no additional fundraising efforts. To date, more than $200,000 has been collected and another $200,000 has been committed, he said.

There is discussion about also constructing a multipurpose building at the fairgrounds. If this is the case, more than $1.5 million would need to be raised to build the building and the grandstand.

Prior to the program, President Ed Ball called the meeting to order and noted that it was National No Dirty Dishes Day. Scott Smith gave the invocation and the group was led in song by Ralph Bornhorst and accompanied by DiAnne Karas on the piano. Jake Romaker led the fun and games activity.

Erin Gaerke was introduced as the Teen of the Month from Russia High School.

The club elected the following officers: president Scott Smith, president-elect Jenny Bruns, vice president Jessica Guillozet, past president Ed Ball, secretary Mike Tangeman, treasurer Ray Weber, and directors Phil Freytag, DiAnne Karas and Phil Warnecke.