Cynthia L. Herzog 
MUSCATINE, Iowa–For just over 60 years, the Pilot Club of Muscatine has helped the local community in many ways, supporting people with special needs and brain injuries through a variety of programs. To enable them to continue their efforts, they hold various fundraisers throughout the year, including cookie sales during the winter holidays and the sale of concessions at Masonic bingo games. In August and September, they can’t wait to bring back one of their tastiest fundraisers, their Scratch Cupcake sale.
An easy fundraiser for people, the Pilot Club will be offering several different types of six-packs of Scratch Cupcakes for sale. These will include fan favorites such as a chocolate variety pack, candy-topped cupcakes, and some especially appealing to kids, such as earthenware cups with gummy worms, to name a few. some.
The Pilot Club will be taking cupcake orders from August 15 through September 2. If you know a Pilot Club member, you can ask them how to order online or with a paper order form. If you don’t know a pilot club member but would still like to get cupcakes, you can call Pat Castle at 563-571-0029 to speak to him or leave a message to begin your order. All cupcakes will arrive at Muscatine on September 16. The Pilot Club member you purchase your cupcakes from will let you know if your cupcakes will come directly to your home or if you will need to pick them up. “This is probably the smoothest fundraiser I’ve ever done,” said Castle, who has been involved with Scratch Cupcake sales in the past.
Funds from the Scratch Cupcake and other fundraisers the Pilot Club will be hosting this year will make a number of different service projects possible. “It’s about supporting Muscatine people with special needs and people with brain injuries – that’s a big part of what we do,” Castle emphasized.
The Piot Club plans to purchase replacement supplies for Riding for Success, a program that provides therapeutic riding opportunities for children with a wide variety of special needs. In addition, they will complete their project to redo the landscaping at Harmony House. The Pilot Club will also continue its support of Special Olympics of Muscatine as well as Mississippi Bend Trykes, which builds custom trikes for children with special needs, allowing them to develop their motor skills and move around in a way that meets to their particular needs. Additionally, Pilot Club members also visit local nursing homes, especially those that have a memory care unit to work with these residents, and give small gifts for caregivers to show their appreciation.
This year, Castle estimates that all of the various Pilot Club projects will cost between $8,000 and $10,000. Through cupcake sales and other efforts, she hopes to meet or exceed this goal so the Pilot Club can continue to make a difference in the Muscatine community.
