Posted: 1/18/05
Rotary seeks help with concession stand project
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A fund drive to build a Caledonia school concession stand is gaining momentum.
The Caledonia Rotary Club is coordinating the project, with a goal of raising $90,000 in cash and in-kind donations. The building would contain a ticket booth, kitchen, and handicapped-accessible bathrooms.
The building would be located along the path to the football/soccer field on the high school grounds. This location would eliminate the costly addition of a sewer lift station, which would be required if it were located closer to the field and bleachers.
Water and sewer lines already exist to the spot, because the building was originally in the plans for the new school project when it was built in 2002. It was dropped because of a money shortfall, and financial concerns in the meantime have kept it from being resurrected by the school board since then.
A folding tent shelter loaned by the Caledonia Lions Club is presently used for concessions, and two ìporta-pottiesî are used for bathrooms.
A lot of work has already been done, especially by Dave Nelson of Nelson Construction and Randy Klinski of Winona Controls, according to school board member Barb Hurley.
ìWeíre so lucky that the Rotary has taken this on,î she said.
ìWeíre counting on previous commitments,î Rotary Club President Miles Miller said, referring to things like individual contacts and civic group pledges. Nearly $13,000 has already been committed.
Area businesses, civic groups, and individuals will be contacted for donations. ìAnybody and everybody is welcome to participate,î Miller said.
Why this project?
This is the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club International, and individual clubs are being asked to take on a big centennial project, both to promote the organization and to help the community.
The school concession stand fits the bill perfectly, Miller and fellow Rotarian Ann Thompson feel.
The goal is to raise all the money so that the school doesnít have to spend money on it, Thompson added. ìWeíd rather see the [school] money spent within the school itself.î
The concession stand goes beyond school use too, Thompson added. Things like soccer events and Founders Day activities would use it. ìIt is truly a community project, not just for a few select athletes,î Thompson said. ìWe wanted something that will make a difference in the community.î
Hurley, who worked on the preliminary plans for the concession stand, feels the buildingsí bathroom facilities will be a big asset.
The kitchen facility will help businesses that do fundraisers like chili suppers, where the money goes back to school athletics, Hurley said. ìItís all extracurricular activities that this is going to help.î
The 30-member Rotary Club has four committees, each of which will work on raising one fourth of the total needed.
February and March will be the main fundraising campaign, with the goal of starting the work this spring and finishing it by the end of August ñ in time for the football season!
People wishing to donate can send checks to ISD#299/Concession Stand Account, at 511 West Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921.
People can also call Miller at 725-5104 or Thompson at 725-2169 for more information.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com