The campaign to raise the final portion of funds needed for the new Battlefords Trade and Education Centre building has begun in North Battleford.
Their fundraising campaign, My Community Cares, launched Wednesday afternoon at the existing BTEC facility, located in the old armoury on 102nd Street.
Based on the crowd that turned up at the 102-year old facility, at least one thing seemed clear, the existing building isn't big enough.
The premises were packed that day, as community-minded people from around the Battlefords took part in the launch.
The turnout overwhelmed BTEC officials and was a good indicator of interest in the building project among the general public.
The goal is to raise the final $1.4 million needed to complete a new BTEC building, to be located at the corner of Railway Avenue and 105th Street.
The province has already pledged $2 million towards the facility, and approximately another $900,000 in fundraising has already been done as well from various events and individual donations.
Artists' renderings of the new 20,000 square-foot building were shown at the launch event, with the new facility able to accommodate an additional 30 participants and provide increased programming.
Coinciding with the launch was the BTEC art auction, which ran until Friday, with those in attendance Wednesday encouraged to place bids on the items on display.
Bottles and cans were also collected at the event with all proceeds going to BTEC as well.
The $1.4 million BTEC fundraising campaign is co-chaired by Rob Rongve and Heath Gabruch, who previously led the $10 million fundraising campaign for the Credit Union CUplex.
Similar to that ambitious effort, a number of "naming rights" have been made available for purchase.
The naming rights are based on the conceptual drawings of the new BTEC building.
"We've tried to emulate what we did with the CUplex and offered donors recognition that way, with naming rights for the overall building but also the reception areas and other rooms in the BTEC building that will be utilized, to give donors some recognition."
A pledge of $500,000 would go towards the name of the new BTEC facility, and naming rights of $100,000 each go to the multi-purpose room, bookstore and kitchen at the new location.
The board room, day program room, common area, and arts and craft room go for $75,000 each, and there are other naming rights ranging from $50,000 down to $500.
Any donation over $500 will be acknowledged on a "donor tree."
Already, the kitchen area has been sold for $100,000 and the reception area for $50,000, and a number of individual donations were announced at the launch event as well.
While the approach is similar to the CUplex campaign, there is an important difference.
"This is something people are doing more from the heart," said Gabruch.
The current building is "to the point where it's almost unsafe," said Gabruch, but moreover, "we need to be able to advocate for people who do bring a lot to our community, and we want that to continue."
Already, the strong attendance and early support from initial donors has left Gabruch feeling optimistic.
"The initial response and the amount of people that came out yesterday to see the launch and see the building and see what BTEC does was a really good indication that the community is wanting to get behind this," said Gabruch.
"The building is more of a reality, I think, closer than maybe it was. We've got a ways to go to get to our goal, but I think the community's going to be behind it."
To make a donation you can call 306-446-CARE (2273) or 1-844-465-CARE (2273), or you can mail a cheque payable to Battlefords Trade and Education Centre, 702-102nd St., North Battleford SK S9A 1H3.
Receipts will be issued for all donations over $20. Also, to inquire about donations of stocks, bonds and other ways to contribute, contact Rob or Heath at 306-937-5020.
As well, people can contact the fundraising campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mycommunitycares.
