Kaleidoscope Campaign tops $1.2 million

 

Kaleidoscope Campaign tops $1.2 million

 

The Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center (KKCC) Capital Campaign has now raised over $1.2 million in gifts, pledges, and grants, according to campaign volunteers.

“We have raised about $1,225,000 in contributions, leaving about $350,000 yet to be raised to achieve our total funding needs,” said KKCC Board President LeAnn Meyer. “The recent news that we have conditionally been awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of $600,000, along with continued giving by county residents and businesses, has pushed our campaign over the million dollars raised.

“Our volunteer team is so pleased for the generosity shown by Fayette County residents and businesses, along with the CDBG award and other foundation grants,” Meyer said.

“Your help is still needed to raise the final $350,000. From small gifts to large gifts, all gifts are important to build a new childcare center,” she emphasized.

Gundersen Lutheran-West Union Clinic officials are among the most recent benefactors, donating $10,000 to the local project.

The Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center Capital Campaign will fund the building of a new 8,500 square-foot childcare facility adjacent to North Fayette High School in West Union. A group of approximately 25 volunteers continue their campaign work led by Campaign Co-Chairs Barb and Mike Heins and Marcia and LeRoy Soppe. Honorary co-chairs helping 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.  Children and their parents come from all parts of the county for care. KKCC has rented the space from the church since KKCC started in 2007, caring for 44 children from 28 families.

“The number of children cared for at KKCC 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 freeing up the space for the church,” Meyer said. “United Methodist Church 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.” 

The CDBG is a “conditional award” based upon the Iowa Economic Development Authority receiving the final grant award from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The federal government’s delay in adopting a budget has delayed receiving the final award amount, which is subject to possible change.

“We understand the final award has not been received but we are assured by the experts that the award will be received;  it is also stated as “conditional” because it is “conditional” on the fact that it is for a new daycare center as presented in our application,” Meyer continued.  “I can assure you we plan to build a new facility. 

“Our campaign volunteers continue to visit with area residents and businesses as we work to close the funding gap of $350,000,” said Meyer.  “Please make time to visit with one of our many campaign volunteers to learn how this KKCC project can help benefit everyone in Fayette County.  Many area citizens and businesses have already made a three-year pledge or annual gift, and I encourage you to join in their generous charitable giving.  KKCC is a not-for-profit organization so your gift is tax-deductible.  We have already accepted gifts of cash, grain, and hogs.” 

Persons can contact Meyer at (319) 404-8555, or one of these campaign volunteers:  Marcia and LeRoy Soppe and Barb and Mike Heins, Don Mueller and Steve Story, Kathy Bauer, Ron Beermann, Courtney Bentley, Robin Bostrom, Tobin Britt, Deb Chensvold, Deb Dessel, John and Sally Falb, Tami Guyer, Carolyn Havenstrite, Kara Johnson, Pastor Scott Keele Kober, Janell McElree, LeAnn Meyer, Steve Murray, Mary O’Kones, Ron and Barb O’Kones, Deb Rovang, Nicole Russler, Bob Vagts, Jessica Wegner, Deb Willhite, and Bill Ziegler.

The campaign is being directed by Ralph Savoy of Consult Savoy Inc., Cedar Rapids.

 

 

 

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