The Jan. 26 Gather for the Green event was the perfect moment to announce the remarkable anonymous $1 million donation to Kitsap Regional Library Foundation for use in making the new Kingston Library at the Village Green Community Center a reality!
The funds are to be used for the interior of the new library, which KRL Executive Director Jill Jean characterized as “the memorable library that Kingston deserves.” The new library is an integral part of the evolving design if the community center, and about 22 percent of its floor space. The donor’s intent is that others will rally to help finish raising the money for the overall building.
Gather for the Green wasn’t envisioned as a fundraiser, but our neighbors did indeed rally. By the end of the afternoon, people had donated almost $10,000, including many $20 Green Umbrella donations, several more donations directed to the library, and several directed to the new Community Center in general. Then, during the first two weeks of February, another $5,000 in community donations came through the door.
We’re on a roll. And speaking of rolls, many thanks to the local foodies who supplied soup, bread, and coffee so welcome to event participants who had stood outdoors in the Village Green Park on a chilly winter afternoon: Borrowed Kitchen Bakery, Cup and Muffin, Grub Hut, Holding Lane Pub, IGA, Joy Luck, Main Street Alehouse, Majestic Mountain Coffee, Mirracole Morsels, Mi Sueño, Oak Table Cafe, Joy Luck, Puerto Vallarta, and Sweet Life Cakery. We appreciate everyone in the community that shares this vision of Kingston.
What’s next? What can you do?
As soon as the architectural designs are finalized, it will be clear how much money remains to be raised. We expect it to be $1 million to $2 million. It may seem daunting, but there is already $4+ million in the bank, so to speak.
Will we see you at the groundbreaking? OK, it isn’t scheduled yet, so read on for what you can do to help open the doors to Kingston’s new Community Center in 2014.
First, consider hosting one of many small events – informal coffees, teas, neighborhood gatherings — to share the designs and hear more ideas about embellishments, uses, and the park itself. There are more than 30 good volunteers who are available to describe work to date, answer questions, and hear from your neighbors. If you can help in this way, please contact Nick Jewett at nick@kingstonvillagegreen.org.
Or, consider becoming involved in designing engraved paver stones. About 50 people at the Gathering Event registered their interest in the stones and there is a volunteer architect interested in heading up the paving stone team. If you can help on that, or on some other part of the project, e-mail info@kingstonvillagegreen.org with your contact information and how you might like to be involved.
There are still Green Umbrellas available for a suggested $20 donation. Again, contact the website or stop by the Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Like raindrops, many small drops will fill the river. Thank you!
— Online: www.kingstonvillagegreen.org
