Curve ball thrown at campaign efforts
By JILL DENNING GACKLE
A meeting to inform a Garrison Chamber committee about a capital campaign to build a new resource center in Washburn took an unexpected turn Monday.
While hearing about the $1 million capital campaign to build a center for services such as a food pantry, clothing pantry and services for those in need, the suggestion was made that an empty building in Garrison might be available at about a third of the cost.
Paul Schlichting asked, "What if there was a building in Garrison that would be ready to go for you?" Schlichting was referring to the 6,000+ square foot vacant building on Main Street.
Mike Gackle said, "We’re just trying to help, we’re not trying to take something away from Washburn."
Schlichting and Gackle, both on the Garrison Area Improvement Association board, said they will put together a proposal after talking with Mandaree Enterprises.
Stacey Pfliiger, direct services coordinator, said the proposal would have to be approved by the Center’s board and added, "It’s always good to hear new ideas."
Pfliiger, who has been courting residents throughout the county with the campaign efforts for the past 14 months, said she was recently pleased with the initial response to requests for donations from residents and businesses.
"I’m really impressed with people of McLean County," she said. "That $25 check is as important as that $5,000 check. I can’t stress that enough."
The project kicked off on Oct. 24, 2013, when seven lots behind Chase Drug in Washburn were donated to the Center. The Center lost its lease on a larger Main Street location and was in search of a new facility.
