We are excited to share that we’re about to cross the finish line on the Village Green Foundation’s Capital Campaign. To help ensure this outcome, a donor has come forward to offer a generous matching grant. Every dollar donated by the community will be matched up to $20,000! We’re inviting you to help us make the final push at the second annual Breakfast at the Village Green on Wednesday, April 25 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

If you can’t make it to the breakfast, you’ll have another opportunity to help us over the line this month during the Kitsap Community Foundation’s Great Give on Tuesday, April 24. That day, donors can go to www.kitsapgreatgive.org and designate a gift to the foundation’s capital campaign. It, too, will be matched, doubling our progress to the rapidly-approaching finish.

Though the race has been long and challenging, the results have been well worth the effort, consistently exceeding all expectations. Sixteen years ago, a grassroots group was organized with the goal of replacing Kingston’s obsolete community center. Twelve years ago, a charitable foundation was established to raise money for the building. Ten years ago, the first Pie in the Park event was held. Seven years ago, the public phase of the official capital campaign was launched and millions were raised. Three years ago, several generous local families agreed to provide low-interest loans that would allow construction to begin by bridging the gap between funds in hand and funds needed. Two years ago, we marked the grand opening of the Village Green Community Center. One year ago, we held the first Breakfast at the Village Green and we announced that the finish line was in sight. Later this month, we will celebrate the building’s second anniversary at the breakfast.

As we prepare to complete this phase of the journey, we are thinking of the legions of supporters who’ve helped bring to reality the dream of a place to strengthen and connect community. Village Green Community Center is doing just that. More than 99 percent of the building’s $9.1 million price tag has already been raised and — with your help — we’re 99 percent certain that we will complete the capital campaign at the event. We’re also thinking about how the foundation, once finished with the campaign, can continue helping to strengthen and connect community.

Together, we’ve done an extraordinary thing. Together, we’ll cross the line. And, together, who knows what we can accomplish in the future!

— By Michele Laboda, Bobbie Moore and Tomi Whalen, Village Green Foundation Capital Campaign Committee co-chairs.