By Anna Skinner
With still a month left to fundraise, Open Doors has 104 percent of its capital campaign complete.
“That was truly exciting with the timeframe we had,” Treasurer Jerry Rosenberger said. “We are still keeping the capital campaign open (through) June 30. Any additional money that comes in provides opportunities for us to invest some of it in our Legacy Fund.”
Open Doors made a goal of $310,000 for the new, 5,000-square-foot facility to be built near Monon Trail Elementary School, 19400 Tomlinson Rd. Since Oct. 10, Open Doors has exceeded the goal.
Now, Rosenberger said the board of directors is working with the city to receive all proper approvals before construction begins in August or September. He expects all approvals will be given by mid-July.
Local contractors have agreed to work with Open Doors to complete the interior services of the new building, such as electrical, plumbing and ventilation for free.
Once complete, Rosenberger said the near-school location is ideal.
“We are certainly going to work with the principal of (Monon Trail Elementary School) … There are so many high school kids helping us out with all of our projects and sorting everything,” he said. “There are three schools now that do food drives for us. Being close to the school there, I think we will want to be planning some things special for that school for the kids to go through (the food pantry) and understand what it’s all about. That will be a good partnership.”
The new Open Doors facility is expected to open in March or April 2017.
To make donations through June, visit OpenDoorsWestfield.org, or send a check to P.O. Box 196, Westfield, IN, 46074.
