By DANIEL JOHNSON
Executive director of the Village Green Foundation
The Village Green Community Center groundbreaking on May 3 was an example of “community” that everyone is seeking but is often elusive in our fast-paced lives.
Many things contributed to the memorable event: the attendance of 300 people; picture-perfect weather; heartfelt remarks by all the speakers; and a groundswell of support for the project, highlighted with the announcement of $1.2 million in recent community gifts. The momentum of the event carried over to the following Tuesday to the Kitsap Great Give, inspiring gifts exceeding $111,000 for the Village Green.
With $7.7 million committed, supporters do not seem daunted by the $1 million left to raise. The Green Heart Campaign, involving 33 local merchants, is still underway. The Food Market continues matching 1 percent of receipts toward their goal to reach the $25,000 match.
Some merchants have really turned up the heat in their efforts. One example is Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics. They are running a promotion through June in which they are committing to donate $10 for every new member. We just received a check for $1,150. Based on their commitment to health and wellness, they have also crafted a program called KIDzFIT (launching in the fall) that will get kids active while raising money to support the health and wellness features of the new center.
Ceci Sittser, marketing coordinator for Kitsap Physical Therapy, has been the driving force behind the promotions. She recently attended a meeting of the Senior Program Planning Committee and shared future partnership ideas for program offerings once the building is built.
It is inspiring to see the many ways the community has come together in support of this project. Watching the bulldozers and work crews on the site continues to fuel people’s enthusiasm. Construction continues on schedule for a spring 2016 opening. The site has been graded and footings are in. Preparation is underway for the slab pour in July.
Speaking of community — please put Aug. 19 on your calendar for Pie in the Park. This is one you won’t want to miss.
—Daniel Johnson is the executive director of the Village Green Foundation.
