Kaleidoscope Kids campaign tops $500,000
Kaleidoscope Kids campaign tops $500,000
The Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center Capital Campaign has now raised over $500,000 in gifts and pledges, according to campaign volunteers.
“We have crossed a milestone of a half-million dollars in contributions,” said Kaleidoscope Board President LeAnn Meyer. “Our volunteer team is so pleased for the generosity shown by Fayette County residents and businesses. From small gifts to large gifts, all are important to building a new Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center,” Meyer said.
The Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center Campaign will fund the construction of a new 8,500-square-foot childcare facility adjacent to North Fayette High School in West Union.
A group of approximately 25 volunteers is working on the fundraising campaign, led by campaign co-chairs Barb and Mike Heins and Marcia and LeRoy Soppe. Honorary co-chairs helping to lead the campaign are Steve Story and Don Mueller.
Currently, KKCC operates in the lower level of United Methodist Church in West Union and cares for 88 children from 54 Fayette County families. KKCC has rented the space from the church since 2007, when it started caring for 44 children from 28 families.
“Our care for children has doubled in five years, and now is the time to build our own facility that is better-equipped for the needs of childcare and which will free up the space for the church,” Meyer said.
“United Methodist has been wonderful helping to fulfill our mission of childcare, but it is time for a facility that has structures built for childcare, such as appropriate-sized bathrooms, drinking fountains, air conditioning, “quiet” rooms away from “active” rooms, and the space we need with our growth. In addition, we need more space since we are at capacity,” Meyer added.
Some contributors to the Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center Capital Fundraising Campaign have contributed by giving a gift of grain, according to Meyer.
“A gift of grain is a smart way for someone to support the Kaleidoscope Kids Building Project Campaign,” she noted. “It has some tax benefits that are worth considering. We have received some gifts of grain already and have made contact with the local agri-businesses to make sure this is possible in our campaign. Our campaign is accepting gifts and pledges that can be paid over a period of up to three years if the contributor chooses.”
The campaign team is also submitting applications for several foundation grants.
“Local giving helps secure foundation grant support,” Ralph Savoy, campaign director, said. “Foundations become more interested in a project once they see local financial support by the people and businesses who benefit from the project.”
For more information on donating to this project, contact Ralph Savoy, Consult Savoy, Inc., Cedar Rapids at 319-361-0421, or Mary O’Kones, KKCC director, at 563-422-5379.