Efforts are under way to come up with $750,000 by Friday to match a $3 million grant that would be used to fund a portion of the proposed “Dream Center” in Trenton.
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
According to information provided by Cathy Smith, who chairs the DREAM Civic Center Project Board which has been working on the project, the group has been given the go-ahead by SEMA to apply for the grant, which will be used for the emergency shelter that is part of the center’s final design. The shelter would house up to 1,400 persons.
Mrs. Smith said the group had submitted plans to SEMA for partial funding after learning that SEMA/FEMA no longer awards fully-funded grants. As part of the group’s efforts in determining how the project would be paid for, it was learned that some cities have built similar facilities with SEMA/FEMA money. The state has now asked the group to submit an application, which is due on Friday and will include not only the 25 percent match, but declaration of the location for the center, which has yet to be announced.
Mrs. Smith said the match can include funds through pledges, grants, cash, loans, etc. from individuals, corporations, foundations and businesses. Listing of the location can include lease, option, pledge or ownership, she said.
If the grant is not received, the pledges will be torn up and the DREAM Center project will be cancelled, Mrs. Smith said.
The project includes a multi-purpose facility that would provide a place for many activities to be held and, Mrs. Smith said, would provide the community an economic development tool to increase tourism and economic growth in the region.
Mrs. Smith, Buddy Hannaford and City Administrator Kerry Sampson have been working on the project nearly 11 years, with others assisting along the way. Visits have been made to over 17 other facilities, according to Mrs. Smith, and a feasibility study has been done as well as an architect and fundraising consultant hired. The group has also written a business plan with an operating budget as well as developed a case statement, prepared information for the SEMA grant application, received 501(c)3 status from the state, named a board of directors and officers and named a campaign cabinet with chairmen. In addition, the group has worked with the city of Trenton, the Grundy County Friends of the Arts, North Central Missouri College and the Trenton R-9 School District in development of the project.
Members of the board, in addition to Mrs. Smith, Hannaford and Sampson, are Cathy Bailey, Cara Farmer, Meredith Black, Phil Hoffman, Tim Whitaker, Becky Albrecht, Marian Goodin, Rick Klinginsmith Dr. Neil Nuttall, Scott Weldon, Bev Whitley and Christianne Jacobsen.
Persons wanting to make a donation, pledge or wanting more information can contact Mrs. Smith at 359-3763, Hannaford at 359-2762 or Mrs. Farmer at 359-2263.