PdC library capital campaign announces 100 Families initiative
The Prairie du Chien’s Memorial Library capital campaign has announced a new initiative for its $1.5 million goal. Organizers have announced a 100 Families program with a generous matching grant to start this phase of fundraising.
“We are looking for 100 families to sign on and contribute $1,000 over a five-year period. This equates to a monthly contribution of $16.67 over the five-year commitment period. One could choose to make the donation in one lump sum, annually ($200), quarterly ($50), or monthly ($16.67). We believe this is an affordable way to make a tax-deductible contribution in a realistic way for many of our potential donors,” Library Board President Linda Munson said.
To kick off this new program, Running, Inc. has agreed to donate up to $5,000 in matching funds. For every $2 pledged toward the 100 Families initiative, they will pledge $1, up to $5,000. The first 10 families to pledge $1,000 each meet the challenge from Running. The ‘100 Families’ initiative has the potential to raise over $100,000 toward the entire capital campaign. In addition, each family will have their names listed in the activity, teen, or adult reading areas.
“Six families already signed up before we even announced the program publicly, so I would encourage interested families to sign up as quickly as possible so we can obtain the matching grant from Running,” Munson said.
Running provides shared ride transit services throughout Wisconsin, including Prairie du Chien’s taxi and SMRT bus programs. They started in business in 1994 in Viroqua with two vehicles and five employees, and have expanded to operate 127 vehicles and employ 290 people in communities throughout Wisconsin.
Additionally, the capital campaign will host a family-oriented Mardi Gras event on Sunday, July 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the street in front of the library and the city hall parking lot.
“We have planned games, food, music, and dancing—fun for the entire family—which will celebrate the 100 Families initiative, as well as providing an opportunity for everyone to see the proposed expansion plans,” City Administrator Aaron Kramer said. “More details will be released as we get closer to the event, but we hope people mark July 24 on their calendars and join us.”
To provide additional information about the capital campaign, the library project, and how individuals and businesses may contribute to the fundraising efforts, a website was launched at www.prairieduchien.info/LibraryExpansion.html. If you would like more information, contact the Library at 326-6211.