ALLIANCE – The Alliance Rec Center is hosting their first annual giving campaign this April. The Make More Possible campaign kicked off on April 1st with the goal of raising funds for a range of projects by the end of April. To date, the Make More Possible campaign has raised $69,318 of the $85,000 goal.
Donations made during the 2021 campaign supports the ARC AfterSchool Playground Project, financial assistance to children and families in the community, as well as installing new youth basketball hoops and establishing plans for facility and equipment expansion. “Our foundational mission is to put the unity in community, and that starts with ensuring every citizen has access to recreation and programs that build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits,” says Mara Andersen, executive director of the Alliance Rec Center. The ARC awarded $23,826 in financial aid awards in 2020.
As the only family friendly, 24-hr public access gymnasium and recreation center, the ARC is a critical system of support for many. Whether it’s childcare on Women’s Volleyball night, Men’s 5v5 basketball league, SilverSneakers© exercise classes, or open pickleball play, people from all walks of life come to the ARC for recreation and socialization. Providing a safe, reliable environment to support people of all ages is at the heart of the organization. But costs to operate remain high.
“Operational costs like insurance and utilities tops the scales at $50,000 annually,” explains Andersen. As a 501c3 organization for over 30 years, the Alliance Rec Center strives to keep membership and programs affordable. “It may surprise people to hear membership dues and program fees don’t cover the cost of operations,” says Andersen, “That’s why we write grants, host special events, form partnerships, and now host an annual giving campaign to encourage our community to support the ARC, set and achieve future goals.”
Every dollar donated helps. “There’s power in every giving level. What started with $5 has turned the playground project into a reality this summer,” says Andersen, “Your donation is an investment in the power of play – in unifying our community – which makes for a better us now and in the future.”
Donations of any amount can be made via Venmo, PayPal, and Facebook @alliancereccenter; in person at the ARC, with an ARC board member, or mailed to: Alliance Rec Center at PO Box 602 Alliance, NE 69301.
Online giving opportunities can also be found at www.AllianceRecCenter.com.
The Alliance Rec Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization making all donations tax-deductible.