LUCAS, Ohio – The Lucas Community Center [LCC] is in the homestretch, according to community center board president Bill Zirzow.
To help the charitable nonprofit organization reach its destination, the board has initiated the Founders Club, a group designed to fund one-time needs to renovate, furnish, and make financially viable the LCC.
Zirzow said not too long ago an anonymous donor gave a “pretty large” donation that really “kickstarted” many of the ideas that the board has been considering and attracted new donors. Likewise, he said the Richland County Foundation also provided a “huge” donation.
“Now we just need this remaining money to really finish the project up,” said Zirzow, adding that, depending on donorship, the project could be finished quickly with a “top-shelf” facility.
“Or it could have a few loose ends that could always later be improved on,” he said.
The board’s goal is to have the facility up and running by the beginning of May.
There are five levels of donorship in the Founders Club: Cub ($1,000 or more), Black Bear ($2,500 or more), Grizzly Bear ($5,000 or more), Kodiak Bear ($10,000 or more), and Polar Bear ($25,000 or more).
“We’ve created a three-year term, so people can donate up to three years,” he said. “Our entry level at $1,000 makes it pretty affordable too for a lot of people who we really didn’t initially anticipate being a part of the Founders Club.”
According to the nonprofit’s website – lucascommunitycenter.com – all Founders Club donors will receive recognition on a plaque permanently displayed in the vestibule of the community center. Likewise, any donors of $50,000 or more will receive naming rights to part of the facility.
Lucas Community Center is a 501(c)3 charity and all contributions are tax deductible.
The goal is to reach $450,000 in toal. As of the beginning of the month, the LCC has secured $273,000.
To become a member of the Founders Club, people simply can visit the facility’s website or stop at Town Money Saver in Lucas for information, Zirzow said.
“We have information up here [in the Town Money Saver offices at 4 W. Main St.],” said Zirzow, who is the founder and president of the Lucas-based business. “The House of Prayer [at the LCC], which is a little building open 24/7 in the back by the volleyball courts, we have several brochures and information in there as well.”
People also can find info at U.S. Bank in Lucas, he added.
Moreover, people who are interested in donating a different amount than those required for the Founders Club can donate any amount at lucascommunitycenter.com.
“At the core of this, being a faith-based community center, is trying to create as many opportunities for real, authentic joy, and we think you can experience that through selfless giving – whether it’s through fellowship or volunteer work,” Zirzow said. “But we want to emphasize an overabundance of appreciation and no expectation on the local community.
“So anything from a dollar to $50,000 is going to be greatly appreciated, and we fell it will go to good use in serving the community and surrounding communities.”
The LCC is a 7,000-square foot facility on 4 acres of property and will house the Lucas Area Food Pantry, a dining and gathering area, a fellowship and banquet hall, and the already-placed House of Prayer and volleyball courts.
Also planned to be in the facility are a restaurant and pizza parlor, meeting room, counseling room, and an outdoor recreation area.
“There are so many blessings that have occurred and doors opened that I couldn’t even have dreamed of,” Zirzow said. “And I think the most exciting thing that seems to be happening is just all the volunteers that have gotten involved, all the donors, and just the people who have gotten involved in the few events we’ve already had.”
The mission of the community center is “to serve and meet the needs of the community and individuals of Lucas and the surrounding area through commitment to sharing and reflecting the love of Christ,” according to its website.
The Lucas Community Center is located at 252 Main St. in Lucas. For information, visit its website, follow it on Twitter, “Like” it on Facebook, or call 419-564-9943.
