A generous $25,000 donation from Venture Communications Cooperative presented to Build Springs marked a positive stride toward the finish line at the newly constructed recreation center and auxiliary gymnasium in Wessington Springs Monday.
“We understand the importance of a small town and we want to be sure that we are a part of it. Venture is proud to be a part of this community,” said Mary Knox, Marketing Supervisor at Venture Communications Cooperative. “At this point, when you can finally see the tangible results of the project, it’s impactful to walk inside and see this is truly a community building that everyone can use. We want to be a part of it and donate to the cause.”
Like Knox expressed, the excitement when spending time in the new building has an impact that is both positive and contagious.
Last month, Build Springs, Inc. launched an end-of-year fundraising campaign to help the newly constructed Wessington Springs Rec Center project “cross the finish line.”
“We are very thankful for this donation. It’s important and appreciated when the bigger companies in our area that do business in Wessington Springs support our projects,” said Roger Hainy, Committee Chairman of Build Springs. “Build Springs Inc. is committed to assisting the school in the completion of the Rec Center, meaning fulfilling the needs inside the new facility. We are all in this together — small towns have to stick together.”
The fundraising campaign is geared toward purchasing fitness equipment/machines for the fitness center. The second aspect of the campaign includes purchasing round table and chair sets for community events.
“We are so grateful for the funds that have already been donated, but those that have used the fitness room in the past are aware of and know that there is a great need for more updates to our current weights, bars, plates and racks,” Hainy added.
Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be designated to fitness equipment or seating.
“We are extremely grateful for the support that is helping make the new building ready for the public,” said Dr. Michael Ormsmith, Wessington Springs School District Superintendent. “While we have several current pieces of equipment moved into the new space, there is room for many more. Increasing the fitness center's equipment with new machines would help to create additional capacity for both our students and community members.”
The school board is continually working to address the new building’s major capital needs.
“There are a number of building related items that the board will be working on for the next couple of school years. These projects include shot clocks for the new gym, re-paving the front parking lot, installing an electronic access system, and placing cameras in the facility,” continued Ormsmith. “The board’s goal is to develop a timeline that will allow us to accomplish these projects within our current budget forecasts.”
Anyone willing to donate has the option to designate which space their funds go towards. Build Springs, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit and all donations are 100% tax deductible. Any donation above $1000 will be acknowledged on the main donor wall for the facility unless requested to be anonymous. For more information or to donate, contact Roger Hainy at 605-3501238 or Hilary Grohs at 605-6809901.