The annual Hannibal Pirate Family Foundation Dinner & Auction will be April 13, 2013 at Hannibal High School. This fundraiser has grown into one of the major events in our community, but many may still be unaware of exactly what the Hannibal Pirate Family Foundation is. We spoke with foundation president Blane Mundle to get more information on the group, its goals and its accomplishments.

Hannibal High School
Kurt Parsons
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"This foundation was born out of a tragedy," said Mundle, "on September 1, 2008 Colin Krigbaum was killed in an automobile accident while coming home from football practice. Although our mission is to assist all students of Hannibal Public Schools, please know that Colin is, was and will forever be our inspiration."

The Hannibal Pirate Family Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit corporation that donates 100% of all money raised to assist the students and programs of the Hannibal Public School District. Board members serve as volunteers and receive no compensation. Money raised by the Hannibal Pirate Family Foundation is controlled by the foundation, and funds are not controlled by the school district. "These funds are completely separate from any account in the public schools and are controlled and distributed by the board of directors based on application of need by a school within the district."

Funds generated by the foundation are used in a variety of ways, according to Mundle. ""We have created the Helping Hands Fund. This is a pool of money that can be used by all schools with in our district for student needs. For example, if a principal has a need of shoes, clothes, or other materials for students they can contact the foundation and we can directly write them a check for the items that their students need. Second, our foundation would like to help in the funding of the Buddy Packs Program. This program allows student to take home non-perishable food items over the weekend so they do not go hungry during that time. If funding allows we will be happy to consider other projects."

Other accomplishments of the Hannibal Pirate Family Foundation include:

  • $1,000 prepaid Visa card for every school in the district to buy shoes, clothing, and other necessities.
  •  Thousands of dollars donated to help Buddy Packs.
  •  Purchased clothing for fire victims.
  •  Purchased gas cards for hospital visits.
  •  Working on a technology pilot for all schools!
  • Purchased school supplies for students.
  • Assisted the DARE and Kids In Motion Programs.
  • Every board member participates in donations to foundation.
  • Financially supports after school tutoring program at Willow Street Church.

Mundle says the support the foundation has received from the community has been even greater than they could have imagined. "We have been overwhelmed by the generous support of our district and the community. Our foundation has grown tremendously and been able to serve many families and children. All the credit goes to our district employees and our fabulous community."

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Dave Casper will be the featured speaker at this year's dinner and auction, which is sponsored by the Hannibal Cavemen. The meal and silent auction will take place between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Autographs will be available from 6 p.m. - 6:45p.m, and the live auction will start at 7:30 p.m. Meal tickets are $5, the menu includes sirloin burger, potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, drink and dessert. Dinner tickets are not required to attend the auction.

Items from Cal Ripken, Adam Wainwright, Stan Musial, many Cardinal players and numerous local items will be up for auction.

For more information, or to purchase tickets to the Hannibal Pirate Family Foundation's Annual Dinner and Auction, contact Blane Mundle at 573-248-9120.

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