Naming rights for Community Centre
Naming rights for West Parry Sound community centre up for grabs as fundraising kicks off
Fundraising and naming rights consultant hopes to raise at least $2M by September
The community made a splash by raising $37,200 at the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre’s first official fundraising event on April 12 at the Best Western Plus Parry Sound.
“This isn't the end. This is simply the beginning,” said fundraising and sponsorship committee co-chair Richard Culverwell. “Now, the hard work, the really good stuff, starts.”
Seguin mayor and chair of the fundraising and sponsorship committee Ann MacDiarmid said she was pleased to see the sea of supportive shirts and thanked the community for its ongoing support.
“But costs have escalated, and the community is growing,” said MacDiarmid. “We're asking each and every one of you to consider making a donation for the future of our community.”
She stressed that the future building will be more than simply just a pool but a fitness facility, walking track and overall gathering place.
MacDiarmid introduced Judy Haber of Performance Sponsorship Group who will be taking charge of fundraising and naming rights of the project.
“She will be in the community knocking on doors, perhaps some of your doors, asking for sponsorship and naming rights and donations,” said MacDiarmid to board members of the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre at their meeting later that evening.
Haber’s overall goal is to raise $10 million, $2 million of which she hopes to raise by September. Half will be dedicated toward capital funding to offset construction costs as the rest will be raised for an ongoing endowment fund to assist with operations funding in the early years.
“There will be opportunities for everyone to participate whether it’s becoming a donor and having recognition on our donor wall or buying a T-shirt or naming rights for a dressing room,” said Haber.
The Rotary Club of Parry Sound presented the leading donation of $25,000 and a challenge to other clubs or businesses to donate what they can.
“We thank the people of this area who gave to us directly and or by supporting one of our events. It is you that allows us to actually give this money today,” said club president Linda West.
MacDiarmid also announced the launch of a campaign by an anonymous donor to match every donation made during a certain period up to $100,000 come the end of June or beginning of July.
“I ask everybody to step in and help where they can. It is true leadership, and I encourage you all to think about what you can do,” she said.
Look out for volunteers selling t-shirts and collecting donations at existing events like Parry Sound's Sport, Recreation, and Leisure Fair as well as upcoming summer markets. Keep up to date on the happenings around the recreation and cultural centre at letsmakeasplash.ca.