With local business and philanthropic leader Al Hauge on board as Chair, the Forest Lake Area Community Center Task Force launched a capital campaign at its July 6 meeting.ìWe need a capital campaign to fulfill the requirements of the Kroc estate grants,î said Alan Bakke, Community Center Task Force Co-Chair. ìBut regardless of the grant outcome, this effort will be beneficial to the project.î
Although the goals and strategy of the capital campaign are still being established, a comprehensive, participation-based approach will be taken, according to campaign director Anne Gabriel, a local business owner with extensive experience in fundraising and grant writing.
ìWe intend to cast a wide net,î Gabriel said. ìThis includes attracting resources from outside the area, as well as through local fundraising. For example, weíll be seeking grants and corporate funding that are designated for uses similar to those foreseen by Joan Kroc--to support families and build communities through a wide range of programming.
ìIn addition, weíll be contacting as many former residents of this area as possible,î Gabriel continued. ìThe quality of life in this area gave many individuals a positive start in life. Weíll be asking them to consider helping us provide similar experiences to current and future generations through our new community center.î
While the capital campaign will target a wide range of individuals and organizations, resident participation will be a key component.
ìIn the end, we want residents of Forest lake and the surrounding area to feel a sense of pride in building and maintaining this regional community center,î Bakke said.
ìWhile we certainly need large donations, weíll be recognizing every donation in a positive and concrete way,î campaign chair Hauge added. ìWe want contributors to be able to show family members and friends how they helped build and maintain a community center that provides lasting benefit to all residents of our regional area.î
For more information about the Forest Lake Area Community Center Capital Campaign or to participate in fundraising efforts, contact the task force via email at communitycenter@ci.forest-lake.mn.us or through Chantal Doriott at the city of Forest Lake at 651-464-3550.
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