A.M. Rotary resumes playground fundraiser
The second phase of the Butler A.M. Rotary “Save the Playground” campaign to raise money to upgrade Butler's Memorial Park is under way.
“We're launching phase two this week. We're hoping to raise another $74,000 to finish it,” said Peggy Weckerly, who leads the Rotary's fundraising efforts.
The $111,173 raised last year and so far this year is approaching the goal of $190,000.
Almost $40,000 that was donated by businesses and people last year was spent on new playground equipment that volunteers installed.
Scheduled for installation on Sept. 28 this year is “a huge piece of equipment for ages 5-12,” Weckerly said.
New sidewalks, access for people with disabilities, landscaping improvements and other park rehabilitation work is also part of the second and final phase.
Weckerly said donations will continue being accepted after the installation because the Rotary wants to add a wall where names of donors can be placed for recognition and the money will be needed to maintain all the new equipment and landscaping.
“The more money we raise the more we'll be able to do. This will be another annual service project for Rotary. Annually we're going down to the park to do maintenance and clean up,” she said.
Butler City Councilman Jeff Smith said both Butler Rotary clubs have done a lot to benefit the parks.
“We really appreciate what the A.M. Rotary is doing like the P.M. Rotary has done in the past to help make the city parks better. They've been great to work with. We meet on a regular basis. They're a real example of what Rotary is supposed to be,” Smith said.
Working with the Butler County Parks and Recreation Department, the A.M. Rotary received a $40,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and natural Resources after the first phase was completed, Weckerly said.
Other phase two funding includes almost $10,000 from AK Steel's AK Cares Program and an employee match, a $4,500 donation and employee match from United Plate Glass, a $5,000 grant from New York Life, a $6,000 donation from Oddfellows of Connoquenessing Lodge and a $5,000 grant from Central Electric Cooperative that was matched with $5,000 from Cobank, a cooperative bank that is part of the U.S. Farm Credit System.
“We have been extremely blessed,” Weckerly said.
Another $5,000 raised during the Rotary's Carved in Ice Festival is going toward the second phase, she said.
The Ghost and Giggles comedy show fundraiser held at the Vagabonds Center in Lyndora raised more than $7,500 for the first phase, and another show will be held there for the second phase on Oct. 26.
“We're working hard to find ways to raise money and give back to the community,” Weckerly said.
The Rotary also appreciates small donations from individuals.
“Five dollar donations add up like change in a jar,” she said.
Donors can also buy playground components such as a climbing wall for $2,000, a slither slide for $3,000 or a small playset for $5,000.
Information on how to donate is available on the Rotary website, butleramrotary.com.
