Community Center fund-raising nears goal
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Nearly $2.5 million of the $3.5 million goal has been raised by the Community Center Fund-raising Project, as donations continue to come in. The city will be responsible for the remainder of the project cost — roughly $4.5 million — which will cover the completion of the new center, pool and splash pad.
Contributions have come in in varying amounts, from individuals, businesses and organizations, and in different formats.
“The Rotary, to date, has raised $385,290; we estimate alumni donations at $15,000. The sale of property — the Recreation Center and outdoor pool, both on Main Street — brought in $140,000. One-time donations (not done over time) are at $1,591,269. Donations spread over two years are at $50,000. We also have $41,000 through the three-year plan, $2,000 under the four-year plan, $117,750 for the five-year plan, and $107,500 with the 10-year plan,” said Steve Richard, chair of the fund-raising committee. “The total raised so far is $2,449,836.”
Richard said this puts them over halfway to their goal.
“We’re currently at 70 percent. To date, we’ve had 229 people and businesses donate. Of that, 26 were businesses and 203 were individuals,” he said.
Richard said he’s excited to see work begin this year.
“We’ll break ground on the pool this spring. We’re hoping to break ground sometime this year for the Community Center too. The committee has put a big push to get the rest of the money to start the project,” said Richard.
Richard said in talking with Judy Dionne, who’s helped manage the paperwork involved, donations “keep trickling in.”
“Every little bit helps. There’s no question the committee was super excited after the Rotary Auction. That charged our batteries. We see the goal line now; we want to get there,” Richard said.
Richard said in May of last year city officials authorized the acceptance of bequeathed property and other options for those wishing to make a donation who might not otherwise have the funds to do so.
Bruce Sargent was the first, according to Richard, to use this method to contribute to the fund-raising effort. Last fall Sargent, who was then serving as a city councilor, signed an agreement with the city pledging $1.5 million toward the project — funds derived from a life insurance policy. “Bruce is the only one so far to donate using this method,” said Richard.
“We’re accepting donations via stock donations as well. We’ve set up an account with Edward Jones. We have some creative ways for people to donate,” said Dionne. “We have pledges of up to 10 years or more, donations through flat-fee payment, stocks, as well as life insurance policies.”
Richard said naming options are still available as well.
“We still have several naming options available” for rooms, etc., said Richard. “They can be done by groups, individuals, businesses.”
“Donations can be made through Judy. If you want a pledge form, call her at 760-2785,” said Richard.
