The Perryville Knights of Columbus Council No. 1263 handed out Tootsie Rolls once again this fall — a familiar tradition for many, but one that continues to make a growing difference in the lives of local families.
The council’s 53rd annual Tootsie Roll Drive raised $11,685 for individuals with developmental disabilities, surpassing this year’s goal of $8,000 and marking one of the most successful drives the local Knights have held.
A portion of the funds will once again benefit a community project close to the hearts of many Perryville residents — the Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventures all-inclusive playground at Robert J. Miget Memorial Park.
The playground began with a simple observation made more than a decade ago by 18-year-old Lucas Fritsche, then a third-grader, who noticed a friend with disabilities could only enjoy the swings while other children ran freely across the playground equipment. Determined to change that, Lucas shared an idea with his school, then worked with his mother, Jennifer Fritsche, and community volunteers to make it happen.
Phase 1 of the playground — built with the help of Unlimited Play Playgrounds — included a towering ramping structure, a tree house, and interactive musical elements. The playground officially opened Oct. 6, 2021, funded by donations and community fundraising efforts totaling $500,000.
Phase 2, which opened Nov. 9, 2024, brought swings, a pavilion, and additional accessible features. Completing that stage required another $200,000, with support from local fundraising efforts such as the annual Tootsie Roll Drive.
The project has remained a joint undertaking involving the Fritsche family, Perry County, the City of Perryville, area businesses and organizations, and a long list of volunteers who’ve believed in the vision from the beginning. The Knights have stood among them for years.
“Every year, the Knights of Columbus, both in Missouri and Illinois, raise funds for the developmentally disabled,” said Tootsie Roll Drive Chairman Tom Zarlingo. “Our local goal was $8,000. We had our best year this year.”
Of the total funds raised, the Knights donated $5,222 to help begin construction of a new pavilion at the playground. Over the last eight years, the organization has contributed $29,605 to Lucas’ project — support that continues to shape the space where children of all abilities climb, swing, play, and feel included.
“It was approved at our membership meeting to give some of the funds this year to the Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventures Playground at the Robert J. Miget Memorial Park,” Zarlingo added — another step forward for a project built on kindness, collaboration, and a young man’s dream to make playtime possible for everyone.
