Marion County Bank’s Bucks for Baskets season raised $13,085 for local schools.

The 2025–26 Bucks for Baskets season brought together students from Pella, Pella Christian, Melcher-Dallas, and Knoxville to raise money for their schools. Through four events, and with a total of 28 student participants, the season generated $13,075 in donations, marking the second-highest yearly total since the event began.

At each halftime event, students had 35 seconds to shoot a circuit of layups, free throws, three pointers, and half-court shots, with each made basket increasing the donation amount. Melcher Dallas kicked off the season with four students earning a school record, $2,025 donation. The first of two Pella events followed, featuring four Pella High and four Pella Christian students who earned $4,725, highlighted by a made half-court shot. In Knoxville, eight Knoxville High School students earned $3,225. The final event at Pella Christian again included four students from each Pella school and added another $3,100. The totals from the two Pella and Pella Christian events were then combined and split evenly between the two schools.

Marion County Bank President Kevin Bolt said the excitement of the competition is only part of what makes the tradition meaningful. 

“It’s really all about the students,” Bolt said. “Just to be able to be there and support them is great. We want to thank the students, the schools, and the community for all the support they have given us for the many years we have been doing this halftime event.”

With this year’s totals added, Bucks for Baskets has now contributed $178,875 to local schools since 2004.