In addition to serving as a memorial for company founder Gary Vermeer, the Vermeer Memorial 5K serves as a fundraiser for a local non profit. Last year, 300 Vermeer employees turned out and raised $1,500 for the Pella Wildlife organization. Race Director Teresa Hovell says this year, the event is open to the public and all funds raised will go to Pheasants Forever. The run will be Thursday, September 29th, Vermeer’s birthday. For more information contact Teresa at 621-7361.