While the final cost and completion date of the new Innisfil Recreational Complex remains uncertain, the success of the community fundraising campaign is not.
Heather MacDonald, co-chairperson of the fundraising committee, gave Council an update April 16 on the progress made by volunteers who formed the committee in 2005.
The committee’s initial target was $750,000 to be raised through five categories – corporate gifts, leadership gifts, personal gifts, sports groups and community giving gifts.
As momentum built, the $750,000 goal was upped three times until it reached $3.5 million. The final tally, as of April 16, 2008, was $3,502,453, MacDonald reported.
Included in this amount were 17 “Founder” donations of $50,000 or over, a figure Macdonald described as “phenomenal.” The Leadership group received financial commitments of $3.1 million. The committee also “sold” 334 arena seats.
Innisfil Council was unanimous in their praise of the campaign committee.
“There was a lot of spirit and co-operation to get to this goal,” said Mayor Brian Jackson. “It’s a pleasure to hear from someone who not only met their goal, but exceeded it.”
MacDonald transferred the administration of the campaign funds to the Town and the committee was disbanded.
Jackson, on behalf of the Town, assured Macdonald that members of her group would be a key part of the Grand Opening Event Committee when the rec centre is officially opened.
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