The residents at downtown Hollands Freedom Village didnt back down when they were challenged. In fact they stepped up, in a big way, to the tune of $98,000. <\/p>\n
The residents at Freedom Village were given a two-to-one challenge by local philanthropist Jim Brooks. Brooks would donate $100,000 to the Windmill Island Gardens Future Fund if the residents of Freedom Village could raise $50,000, said Gordon Van Wylen, a resident at the village who has helped with the fundraising campaign and former president of Hope College, who has also been involved in many community projects. <\/p>\n
After a presentation from Brooks and city officials, including Mayor Kurt Dykstra, Van Wylen and an ad hoc advisory committee from freedom Village took on the challenge. Letters were written, donation cards and envelopes printed and sent throughout that little community. <\/p>\n
Then a second $100,000 donation came in and doubled the challenge. <\/p>\n
We were quite sure we could raise $50,000, Van Wylen said. We knew raising $100,000 would be difficult. But here we are, $2,000 away. <\/p>\n
The presentation happened in June, and the those at Freedom Village who wanted to give, gave strong and right away. Being a neighbor to the park, the village has sort of adopted it. Its within walking distance. Its their view. And giving to the proposed pedestrian path that could get them out to the park safer was a great idea, Van Wylen said. <\/p>\n
But once the village reached about $65,000 to $70,000, the donations dropped off, he said. So he went out in search of boost and found it with Grand Rapids businessman Richard Postma, who stepped in as chairman of Macatawa Bank during the recession, Van Wylen said. Postma donated $15,000, and the bank, which has a branch in Freedom Village, gave $2,500. <\/p>\n
That boost got the ball rolling again at the village, and it is only $2,000 away from making the mark. Envelopes are collected Friday, Van Wylen said. Its possible they will make it. <\/p>\n
When there was only $10,000 to go, people gave a smaller second gift, Van Wylen said. <\/p>\n
He hopes the way Freedom Village stepped up to the challenge will encourage other people and organizations to do the same to support the restoration of Windmill DeZwaan and the future plans at Windmill Island Gardens. <\/p>\n
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The rest is here: <\/p>\n
Freedom Village residents raise $98,000 toward Windmill Island Future Fund<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The residents at downtown Hollands Freedom Village didnt back down when they were challenged. Continue reading