March 27, 1999
Stadium fund tops and surpasses $2 mill goal
By Malinda Ruble
Staff Writer
It's not often a community can say it raised more than $2 million for one project in less than a year, but Tiffin can.
The Tiffin Stadium fund drive has gone over the top. The total pledges and contributions received is $2,058,664.38.
"We're pretty excited about it. We appreciate everyone who has participated. They have made this campaign a success. It's great to see everyone working together &endash; working for the community,'' said Elaine Hunt, co-chair of the drive.
Hunt had been notified that Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation is making its second donation to the campaign and Fifth Third Bank Foundation also is making a "generous contribution.''
The contributions poured in even earlier than Hunt anticipated. Hunt had hoped to raise $2 million for the project by the end of April or May.
"We are continuing to receive daily donations and pledges from the Tiffin and Bloomville communities. Monies received over the goal will go into the endowment fund,'' she said. The endowment fund is to be used to provide money for future routine maintenance of the facility.
With funding in place, work can begin soon. The funds generated will be used to renovate the stadium and track, which has been in disrepair for some time.
"Everything is going along well as scheduled. They're working on contracts now, and if the weather goes along with construction, we should have the renovated stadium by the end of August,'' Hunt said.
Hunt said a committee of five people representing four schools and the community has been appointed to design a recognition area to display the names of the contributors.
"If you contributed, your name will be there. The area that is as planned will enhance the beauty of a state-of-the-art stadium,'' she said.
Hunt attributed the success of the campaign to many people throughout the area and country who love Tiffin.
"The success of this campaign is due to the caring and generous people of Tiffin, Bloomville and from all over the United States. Many donations have come from people who lived in this community and still keep the fond memories of Tiffin in their hearts,'' she said.