By Linda Whitmore
The Ford Family Foundation last week announced it will grant $250,000 toward construction of the new Mount Angel Community Building – a major boost for the project.
“That’s the maximum they give,” said Mary Kohler, a member of the Mount Angel Community Foundation. She said the Ford grant was issued because “we were so close to reaching our match” of half the grant sum.
Mount Angel’s Community Foundation’s Fundraising Committee has raised more than $900,000 in cash and pledges from many local organizations and individuals.
“The committee is extremely excited about the Ford Family Foundation grant and very thankful for their support of this important project,” Dave Kohler, chairman of the Fundraising Committee, said. And support from local organizations has been crucial in maintaining the project’s momentum, he said.
Including this grant, the Mount Angel Community Foundation has raised approximately $1.15 million towards the building project estimated at about $2 million.
Architects have completed the Community Building’s design and the project is now in the bid process, Mary Kohler said. Construction is expected to begin after Oktoberfest, which runs Sept. 16-19.
The Fundraising Committee is continuing with its capital campaign, which includes applying for other grants, organizing local fundraising events and soliciting personal donations from community members.
Members are also selling tickets for a drawing taking place during Mount Angel’s Independence Day celebration. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased from any Oktoberfest board member or at West Coast Bank.
Mount Angel Lions Club and American Legion also have scheduled projects in the near future to raise funds. And on July 19 Glockenspiel Restaurant will have a spaghetti dinner with proceeds going toward the new building.
Mount Angel Community Foundation welcomes support for the building project. Contact the foundation at 503-845-6835, by email at [email protected], or visit www.mtangelcommfnd.org. Checks can be mailed to Mount Angel Community Foundation, P.O. Box 881, Mount Angel, OR 97362
The Ford Family Foundation, a private, non-profit foundation based in Roseburg, provides grants and scholarships to support higher education and community building efforts in small, rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, Calif.
