The caramel turtle cheesecake baked by Angie Peterson/Hotel Pattee and donated by Tri-County Ag brought in $2,700 for the Radio Pie Auction on April 1, 2026. Allison Ullmann/Raccoon Valley Radio

A sweet fundraiser brought in a record amount for Perry’s Fourth of July Fireworks Drive.

The 19th Annual Radio Pie Auction, hosted by the Perry Chamber and Raccoon Valley Radio, was held on Wednesday. Auctioneer Tom Burkgren, Raccoon Valley Radio’s Shawn Kenney and Perry Chamber members helped facilitate the live event. Chamber Executive Director Lynsi Pasutti says that 25 desserts were auctioned off for a record amount.

“We had $12,125. We’ve even had someone round up, so the total for the Radio Pie Auction is $12,200. Our previous record was $11,000 and we really blew that out of the water.” 

Pasutti details that local bakers made a variety of pies and desserts, with the highest one selling for another record of $2,700. She thanks the bakers, donors and bidders who helped contribute to the annual event, as all of the proceeds will go to Perry’s Fourth of July Fireworks Drive. 

“Lots of great donations and bidding and it all adds up for the Fourth of July fireworks. So I can’t say thank you enough to everyone involved, especially the bakers. I think we have the best bakers in town donating items, businesses supporting that as well, and then great bidding from individuals and businesses alike.”

To see photos from the Radio Pie Auction, click here.