Forward Corp. President Abby Moniz presented the Arenac Community Center with a check for $20,000 Friday that marked the conclusion of a fund-matching campaign Forward pledged to the center earlier this year.
From March 1 through April 30, the center raised $35,700.21 in donations from area community members and businesses directed towards the support of “Project Fitness,” a campaign that will add a playscape, gazebo, walking path, and dog park to the community center. In February, Forward announced it would match up to $20,000 in donations made during that time, which brings the total raised to almost $56,000.
“We are beyond thrilled that the community stepped up in support of this project and the center,” said Shara Klenk, director for the Arenac Community Center. “Forward’s contribution, plus the additional money we raised will go a long ways towards bringing Project Fitness to life. We are so grateful to everyone involved.”
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year on the on-site park that will create additional recreational space for the center, as well as trigger additional eligibility for further grants and funding.
“The community center is a wonderful resource for this area and one we are proud to support,” Moniz said. “It’s inspiring to see community members come together to bring this to life.”
The Arenac Community Center opened in 2019 thanks to the efforts of local citizens who saw a need for more community programs and facilities. The center offers a variety of programs, meeting space, recreational activities, and after-school programs.
For more information about the center visit arenaccommunitycenter.org.