The new swimming pool facility being built in the town of Outlook has reached a financial stage to the point where it needs crucial support from the public perhaps now more than ever.
To date, approximately $1.3 million has been raised for the future location, but the project needs another estimated $500,000 to be fully paid for if the current forecasted budget of $1.8 million is set in stone. It’s said that the final budget number could end up being more, but it could also end up costing less than projected.
Tony Peter and Julie de Moissac, members of the pool’s fundraising committee were on hand at the latest town council meeting on February 28, speaking as delegates on behalf of the committee and providing an update on the volunteer group’s fundraising efforts.
The committee has been applying for “every kind of grant possible” to acquire funding for the pool, with roughly six corporate requests out right now. Peter said he hoped that more people and businesses would’ve donated after construction began last July as some would-be donors have a tendency to give to something when they see progress. The committee also continues to hope for more ‘in-kind’ donations of services.
In speaking with council, one thing that appears to be a factor as it relates to fundraising efforts is pure exhaustion on the part of the small but dedicated committee members. The group of volunteers who have been raising money for the pool is down to a committee of five people who, with the help of others who have come and gone over the years, have organized dozens of fundraising events since the committee was formed in late 2013. Committee members are tired and it seems that there’s a dire need for some new blood to come forward and add new ideas and efforts aimed at raising money.
In the days following the town council meeting, Peter provided The Outlook with a complete breakdown of the donations received as of January 31, wanting to keep the public up to date on the data to show them where things stand. The numbers are as follows:
The fundraising committee has a total of 690 donors who have raised a total of $1,302,582.94.
Diamond {$100,000+} - 1 donor - $500,000
Platinum {50,000 -99,999} - 3 donors (2)* - $157,249.10
Gold {25,000 – 49,999} - 3 donors (2)* - $75,396.67
Silver {10,000 – 24,999} - 13 donors (10)* - $172,121.60
Bronze {5000 – 9999} - 15 donors - $88,253.32
3000 – 4999 - 12 donors (11)* - $41,883.59
2000 – 2999 - 30 donors (27)* - $66,359.39
1000 – 1999 - 89 donors (88)* - $97,837.28
501 – 999 - 39 donors - $25,509.74
500 - 45 donors - $22,500
101 – 499 - 99 donors - $21,719.55
100 - 77 donors - $7,700
less than 100 - 263 donors - $9,309
(*) denotes actual donors after identifiable fundraising activities were omitted.
With approximately $500K still needed for the pool facility, Peter says the reality that no one wants to see happen is the Town of Outlook assuming that level of debt for an asset worth close to $1.8 million.
“If there are 983 taxpayers in Outlook, each will be taxed at most $509 to pay for the pool,” he theorized. “If every taxpayer instead gave $509, he or she could save $150 approximately in a tax deduction and bear a cost of $359. Choose – tax or gift.”
Of the six applications that have been sent to major corporations for any kind of funding, Peter says he’s confident in one of them.
In the meantime, the pool fundraising committee is continuing its efforts. They’re planning a couple of small fundraisers that are in the early stages of development, and they’ve also partnered with Western Sales for a raffle.
But they also strongly encourage anyone to bring forward new ideas or run with their own fundraising efforts.
The committee is proud of what they’ve accomplished in the 4+ years since it formed, and town council commended them on the work they’ve done and the level of commitment they’ve shown. That being said, Peter says that while $1.3 million is worth celebrating, the committee would love to truly celebrate the new pool by reaching the level of ‘paid in full’.
As well, contrary to what is apparently being said around town and on social media, it should be noted that the opening date of the new pool is by no way set in stone. The town and those working on the project are optimistic about a possible July 1 opening, but with the complexity of the facility and the uncontrollable elements such as the weather, it isn’t official by any means and rather a hopeful target.
