Staff photo by Clay Schuldt City Center Apartment tenants celebrate $4,000 in donations to the German Park Amphitheater upgrades. Pictured, left to right, front, Becky Braegelmann and Dave Fabian; middle, Nancy Poncin, Janet Dempsey, Cheryl Vath and Bonnie Ubl; and back, Terry Dempsey, Virginia Kjelshy, Arlen Manderfeld, Holly Vath, Cliff Vath and Jerry Ubl.

NEW ULM — The residents of City Center Apartments donated $4,000 to the German Park Amphitheater project.

The residents held a silent auction between Nov. 4 and Nov. 14 to fundraise for the project.

Organizer Cheryl Vath said many of the items auctioned were homemade or donated by residents. Some even made direct cash donations.

Vath said after Dr. Ann Vogel spoke with them about the need for the amphitheater, many of the seniors living in the apartments decided to donate. Many of the apartment tenants are regular users of the amphitheater, which is located only a few blocks from City Center Apartments.

Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz said this $4,000 brings the total cash donation to $582,125. With an additional $230,000 in pledges, the amphitheater project has $812,125. Schmitz said the project cost was $1.2 million.

Fundraising for the amphitheater will continue through spring if needed. Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin in spring with a completion date in August.

Schmitz is the contact person for any donation. His office is at 122 S. Garden St. in the Recreation Center. Checks should be made to the City of New Ulm Amphitheater.