Fairfield High School’s gymnasium was filled with purpose and community pride on Friday, December 19th, as Jack Polonsky Donor Night took place during the Fairfield vs. Keokuk girls and boys basketball doubleheader. The annual event raised more than $1,100, setting a new fundraising record while honoring the legacy of Jack Polonsky and supporting lifesaving causes.
Proceeds from the night will be split between the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) and the Iowa Donor Network (IDN) on behalf of the Fairfield Community School District and the Polonsky family.
According to Mark Myers, one of the event organizers, having Jack’s name attached to the fundraiser played a major role in its success. “Jack was the main catalyst for our success. Having his name attached to this really resonated with the community. As always, our sponsors—Weaton Companies, Agri Plastics, Iowa State Bank, and Farm Bureau – Alex Kessel—are huge supporters of FCSD activities, and nothing could be accomplished without them,” Myers said.
Reflecting on the event’s purpose, Myers added, “Jack was adamant that he wanted to raise awareness for pediatric cancer and how bone marrow donation can help save the lives of kids all over the world. Hopefully, having a ‘Blue Out’ night and raising money for this cause is a way to kickstart his vision of education and action.”
Myers also spoke about the inspiration Jack’s story provides to the broader community: “Jack’s family members are unbelievably strong and amazing people, and Jack showed that the apple did not fall far from that tree. With that being said, they will be the first to tell you how incredible our community is. From Fairfield’s own Little Superheroes organization being with them every step of the way, to Nate Weaton becoming a friend and mentor to Jack as he navigated through his diagnosis and treatment, to the people who bought a shirt, community members really showed their compassion and support. You could see how much Jack and this event meant to the student-athletes competing in the games, and it’s a safe bet that these young adults will do their part to carry this forward in some way.”
Support came from longtime Fairfield Community School District sponsors, as well as Little Superheroes and the Duck Toss hosted by the Fairfield Baseball Club, a travel baseball team featuring current Fairfield High School student-athletes Drew Myers, Dain Burkhart, Dayson Workman, Carson Elmore, Jacob Crew, Archer Kreuter, and Aiden Westercamp. Organizers also recognized Marganne Reinbolt of the Iowa Donor Network, Summer Bradfield, who designed the event shirts and program cover, and Jefferson County Treasurer staff for manning donation tables.
Jack Polonsky passed away on July 23rd, 2025, at age 15 after a courageous battle with T-cell lymphoma. A soon-to-be sophomore at Fairfield High School, Jack was active in student council, FBLA, choir, and cross country. Known for his love of sports—especially the Detroit Lions—along with music, Star Wars, and time with family and friends, Jack remained determined to live fully and uplift those around him throughout his illness.
Jack Polonsky Donor Night demonstrated the power of community, showing how one young person’s life can inspire generosity and action. As Myers put it, “Jack’s story and the compassion of this community will continue to motivate people for years to come. This night was a testament to his legacy, and we hope it encourages everyone to get involved and make a difference.”
