Funds needed before building can start
Posted on Saturday, October 6, 2007
BENTONVILLE - One is trying to establish itself as a gathering place for families and a way to provide community programs that aren't readily available in northwest Arkansas.
The other is working to build a park where Buster and Fido can play, and families can bond over a simple dog walk.
But before these plans can become reality, both organizations - the YMCA of Northwest Arkansas and the Bentonville Bark Park - need money.
The YMCA of Northwest Arkansas has been working since 2006 to develop the first YMCA in Benton and Washington counties.
The organization is in the midst of its Founders Campaign. The goal is to raise $ 600, 000.
Once the YMCA receives $ 200, 000 in paid pledges, the search can begin for an executive director. The remaining $ 400, 000 will go toward developing and implementing programs and services.
If the YMCA receives more than $ 600, 000 in contributions, remaining funds will go toward the building campaign.
"We're going to try to finish up our Founders Campaign by the spring," YMCA of Northwest Arkansas president Chris Sooter said. In addition, the YMCA is looking for volunteers who can help raise funds for the organization.
The Y is also seeking taxdeductible donations of office space in a "somewhat visible location"in the area.
But what the Y is really looking for, Sooter said, is family contributions to make it a truly grass-roots, communitydeveloped organization.
For more information, call 464-3993 or visit www. ymcanwa. org.
Meanwhile, the Bentonville Bark Park seeks donations from dog lovers who want a new canine hangout.
Jean Henderson is co-vice chairman of the Bentonville Bark Park Committee, which is working to construct a state-of-the-art dog park next to the parking lot for the North Bentonville Trail.
Henderson said the committee has received an overwhelming response from volunteers, but the organization needs funds to help construct the park.
"What's tough right now is we're still trying to raise the funds," Henderson said. "There actually has been quite a bit of interest for volunteers."
The park started as a project by Melissa Schube, who is aiming to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. If Schube completes 70 hours on the project, she will earn the award, the Girl Scout equivalent of an Eagle Scout award.
Plans for the park include the following • 1. 3 acres of fenced lawns, trees and benches • One large dog park and one small dog park • An agility course; and • Relief, water and waste stations.
The park will be an enclosed space and will be divided for small dogs and large dogs. Dogs will be allowed to roam free without leashes - but must be registered and tagged with the city to use the park.
Now that Schube is doing her part, she's asking the community to help as well.
People can make tax-deductible donations to the park and may also purchase a monogrammed brick for $ 75 to honor or memorialize a beloved pet.
The committee also seeks donations of grass seed, and equipment and furnishings for the park.
For more information, visit www. bentonvillear. com and click on the "Bark Park in Progress"link from the rightside menu or call 254-0833.
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