Members of the Multipurpose Facility Fundraising Committee met Wednesday to update their progress in their campaign to raise money for the Credit Union CU Plex.
The goal of the meeting was mainly to let the committee know where they stood in their campaign and set strategy for the coming weeks.
Figures provided by fundraising co-chair Heath Gabruch indicate the campaign currently stands at $6,500,836. Some of that total is not yet formally announced, and some are still in discussions.
"It shows the huge commitment the community has had," said Gabruch at the meeting, attended by about 15 people at the RBC Tower during the noon hour.
There was much discussion on further steps, such as following up with contacts and providing whatever else was needed by canvassers looking to raise donations.
Also discussed were details about a monthly contribution plan which would allow people interested in giving smaller amounts of money to the project to be able to make contributions on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Dave Whitehead updated the board on how such a plan would work. The fund is to be administered by volunteers - the Hammer Heads - who will be keeping track of accumulated totals, and tax receipts would be issued. Using volunteers would allow for administrative costs to be eliminated for this portion of the fundraising.
Monthly donations would be recorded and accumulated, and they would be deposited in the "Hammer Heads" account at Innovation Credit Union, with donors incurring no service charges.
Whitehead says a more formal announcement and full launch of the monthly contribution plan will come next week.
Other ideas were tossed about at the meeting about how to raise money during the stretch drive, including finding ways to get commitments from banks and other businesses for large-scale donations. Already, professional groups such as the accountants have indicated they are on board with major financial commitments to the project.
A promotional push is planned for September with the radio station signing on to do spots promoting the CU Plex during the month.
The committee's goal is still to hit the $10 million fundraising target this fall. There was much confidence expressed that people were now in a mindset to contribute and help out now that the summer vacations were over.
The committee plans to meet again next week.
