Plains cares. That’s the plain and simple truth one could take away from the turnout and community donations response at Saturday night’s “Fiesta” fundraiser at Plains High School.

The event, which raises funds for all extra-curricular activities at the school, attracted a crowd of more than 100 area residents, who came to enjoy a Mexican-style dinner, dessert and after-dinner auction.

“These funds don’t just go to the softball team,” said Plains softball coach Kati Mitchell. “What we raise goes to help support all of the extracurricular activities at the school, everything from drama to sports”.

This year’s event generated approximately $11,500 in funds to help support those groups. Last year’s event also topped $10,000 from the combined dinner and auction.

The dinner, which was served by sombrero wearing students representing the groups that will benefit from the donations, was the lead-off event of the evening and featured tacos, chips and salsa. Event goers paid $10 for the dinner, then settled back for the in-house auction which featured a wide range of donated items that were up for bid.

One of those on hand was Rick Powers, the new head coach of the school’s new baseball team, which will begin play by the end of March.

“We are really looking forward to this Spring,” he said. “This (event) shows just how much the community is behind these activities”.

Everything from gift certificates to local businesses to artwork to baked goods was up for bid during the event. The top funds producer for the evening was a battery powered weed wacker, which went for $450.

“They have some pretty good things here to bid on,” said Plains resident Patty Coe as she perused the long tables lined with items up for bid. “I’m sure people will like this”.

Coe, who has been a Plains resident for 51 years, said she has always liked the kindness and generosity of the people of this area.

Plains philanthropist and business owner Randy Garrison was again the emcee for this year’s event.