Community Center chosen as Rotary Club’s Special Project
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Rotary Club is excited to partner with the city of Presque Isle and the Community Center Campaign Committee to raise funds for the proposed recreation complex during the annual Radio and TV Auction, scheduled for Dec. 2-4.
“The Campaign Committee, led by Steve and Lucy Richard, has done a tremendous job raising funds and awareness about the project, and it is our hope that we will be able raise sufficient funds during our auction to be able to break ground in the spring of 2015,” said Rotary President Scott Violette. “A new community center is now within reach, and with your help, we can make it a reality! The Presque Isle Rotary Club invites you to participate in the project and to make a financial contribution.”
Complementing the city’s efforts to improve the business climate in the region, the Community Center Project will provide another reason for businesses to relocate to Presque Isle and to remain here. “In today’s mobile society, it will offer the amenities that people are looking for when choosing a place to live, work, and raise a family. Additionally, the events and ongoing activities at the location will draw people downtown to patronize local shops and restaurants and encourage further private sector investment,” Violette added.
“This project is one of the most significant and transformative investments in our city’s infrastructure in decades and will position our city for growth for many years. The Presque Isle Community Center will tie the downtown to the riverfront area, making use of some of the city’s best natural assets and enhance efforts to revitalize downtown,” said Jeff Pangburn, who co-chairs the Special Project with Steve Richard and Ralph McPherson. “The facility will provide something for citizens of every age, with a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, a walking track, a pool and splash pad, and space designed to meet the needs of young families, teens and seniors.”
“We need a recreational and social center more than ever to continue to have the kind of community where people want to live, want to stay, and want to return home to,” said McPherson. “Presque Isle needs a place where our young people can get involved in healthy, supervised recreation, and people of all ages can come together for fellowship, friendship and healthy activities.”
The Presque Isle Rotary Club and its partners will be directly asking residents for financial support through a mailer that will be sent to homes and businesses.
“Please be on the lookout for this letter and take the time to give it thoughtful consideration,” said Pangburn. “Your financial support is needed and greatly appreciated. By making a donation, you can personally make a lasting difference in the direction of your city and earn a sense of pride and ownership in a facility that will service our community for decades to come.”
Donors can spread their pledge over a number of months or annual installments, as well, to make contributing to this important project fit any household budget.
“The Presque Isle Rotary Club has a long history of investing in our community and the capital campaign slogan of ‘Commit to Community. Believe in Presque Isle’ is a perfect fit for our mission and vision,” said Pangburn.
“This project is an important investment for the city of Presque Isle and I would encourage all members of the community to participate and take ownership of the project,” he said. “Please consider making a financial contribution to the project to turn the vision of a new community center into a reality. Thank you for your support.”
Donations can be sent to: Presque Isle Rotary Club, P.O. Box 641, Presque Isle, Maine 04769. Checks can be made payable to “Presque Isle Community Center.”
There are various levels for donations. In addition to being recognized through the Rotary Auction, supporters of the Special Project will also be listed on a recognition wall to be established at the community center. The Capital Campaign Committee has established three recognition levels — $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000.
“Multi-year commitments will be honored, as well,” said Pangburn. “For example, if you wish to pledge $1,000 per year for 10 years, you will be recognized as a $10,000 donor.
“There are also naming opportunities for higher level donations, or your donation can be kept anonymous at your request, he said. “If you wish to make a donation at a higher level, you will still have the opportunity to have your gift appropriately recognized through the Rotary Special Project.”
Viewers and listeners of the upcoming auction that will air live on Time Warner cable television Channel 9 and on Big Country 96.9 FM radio can also call in their pledges. This year’s auction co-chairs are Frank Bemis and Gina LeBlanc-Eggert.
To learn more about the Rotary Club, go to the website www.PresqueIsleRotary.org or find them on Facebook.
