IN THE CITY
by Chris Beaulieu
The Presque Isle Community Center Project fund-raising effort is off and running. To date we have received over $300,000 in donations. A long way from our $3.5-million goal, but a great start and a little closer to this much-needed facility that will add tremendous value to our citizens and our community. Our first major donor was, of course, Maine Mutual Group Insurance with a generous gift of $100,000. Hal Stewart and family have given $25,000, United Insurance Hayden Perry Agency $15,000 and Presque Isle Kiwanis just came in with a $10,000 gift. We have received donations from anonymous donors in the amounts of $100,000, $25,000 and $20,000. The Presque Isle Class of 1963 and several other individuals have also made donations to round out the total to date.
The money we have raised to date is not just thanks to those great donors, but also due to the hard work of dozens of committee members and other volunteers. These individuals are out there talking with businesses and community members, spreading the word about this project and its importance to our area. These individuals have also been organizing and planning events to promote and raise funds for this effort. However, more volunteers are needed.
Raising this type of money takes time, hard work and a small army of volunteers to see success, volunteers we continue to look for. If you could offer a small bit of your time to help this wonderful project achieve success, we would love to have you.
We currently are in the planning stages of a couple upcoming events. One in particular will need many volunteers which is the annual event organized by the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club; their “Vegas Fever” fundraiser. As mentioned earlier, their club recently donated to the project and this year our project will be the beneficiary of that event.
As the fund-raising effort continues, look and listen for updated information through the many media outlets. For questions, to donate, volunteer and/or to learn more about this project, please contact me at 764-2545 or email at cbeaulieu@presqueisleme.us or go to our project website, www.picommunitycenter.com and/or like us on Facebook.
Chris Beaulieu is director of Presque Isle Recreation & Parks.
