This group of Dysart residents attended the Vision Iowa Board meeting at the State Capitol in Des Moines on May 14th. Mayor Pam Thiele and Katherine Ollendieck updated the board on our Capital Campaign progress. We are very close to the goal, only $46,000 more to go! The city will attend the June 11th meeting, at which time we need to be finished with the campaign so we can begin constuction by late summer. Donations or Pledges can be dropped off at Dysart City Hall, 601 Wilson St. Those attending the meeting (pictured above) included Claudette Gumbert, Janet Wilson, Catherine Leipold, Mayor Pam Thiele, Pat Hanson, Don Lyons, Dwayne Luze and Jackie Hennessy.

We are getting very close to the goal! As of May 21st, the donations we have received total $130,000. Many thanks to those of you that have helped us reach this point.

We need everyone’s help to raise the additional $46,000 by June 10th, so we can begin construction later this summer. We cannot start the projects until the goal is met.

Monthly visits have been made to the Vision Iowa Board but in order to be eligible for a grant from them, we must raise 20% of the project funds ($176,000) from community donations. The other funding sources will include the City of Dysart contributing 50% of the cost and we are poised to receive the remaining 30% from several grant applications, including the very important Vision Iowa Grant.

The Community Building will be 93% of the project cost at $ 812,000. Many upgrades will be made, such as adding an elevator, air conditioning and new restrooms.

The Park Pavilion comprises 7% of the project at $68,000. Residents have expressed a desire over the years to re-build the band shell that was taken down in the 1960’s. We are excited to be able to do this during the 125th year of our city park. By putting these two vital community projects together for the grant applications, we are able to leverage our local dollars for a larger return. Please contact City Hall, Mayor Pam, or anyone on the City Council if you have questions concerning either of the projects.

Please consider making a donation. Every dollar counts in this project and we need the entire community to help us reach the goal. We are also accepting pledges that would be payable by April 1st, 2015. Donations or pledges can be dropped off at Dysart City Hall, 601 Wilson St. With all of us working together, we can continue to enhance our wonderful hometown!