This month The National Ability Center launches the final phase of its capital campaign to raise $15.5 million for a host of projects and improvements to the Quinn’s Junction facility. The NAC provides programming for more than 7200 people.
NAC Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Stickelman says every gift is meaningful, and the objective in this final push is to get as much community involvement as possible. They want to attract 1500 donors.
They’ve expanded the Equestrian Center with several new spaces and accessories like a new mounting ramp for the indoor arena. The expansion should be finished late summer of 2019 which is when the capital campaign is slated to be complete. They plan to break ground on a new Recreation Center this spring which will accommodate year-round sports and activities, along with an indoor bouldering wall.
NAC Development Director, Carey Cusimano says once they finish the Discovery Loop it will be a much safer place for learners.
“And, our goal is to involve the community. A piece of that is building what’s called the Discovery Loop. And, it is a packed trail that goes around the circumference of the National Abilities Center campus. And not only will participants get to use that, but also the community.”
The Trail will be a multi-purpose training trail. It backs up to Round Valley, so it has an easy connection to the open space trails as well.
“It’s a packed trail that’s going to be used for training so if someone’s learning to ride a bike for the first time post injury or you know, a veteran group is out doing a camp with the NAC, instead of riding through our parking lots, which is currently a lot of what the participants do, it’s a safer trail”
Cusimano says with inflation and rising costs since they began their capital campaign four years ago, they’ve had to adjust from the original I Can Campaign goal of $15 million to $15.5 million.
They’ve streamlined contribution levels and every amount has a designated outcome. For instance, $25.00 builds one foot of the new Discovery loop. $500.00 covers the cost of a bike rack and $2500.00 will install a bench on the trail.
“You can go to our website to discovernac.org. There’s actually a campaign page which is ican.discovernac.org. You’ll see a picture of that Discovery Loop on there and, levels of giving.”
Cuisimano says the annual Barn Party fund raiser is coming up. It benefits the equestrian program and it’s a great kick off to the summer. It’s $55.00 for adults, $25.00 for kids and it’s free for kids under five. There are family packages available too. They’ll serve bar-b-que, beer, wine and High West Whiskey.
“And, it’s June 1st this year. It starts at 5PM. It’s a fun, family event. We’ve got line dancing, a mechanical bull, face painting, petting zoo. Activities for the kids. And, again, it supports our trail riding program, hippo therapy as well as the equine assisted learning.”
Go to discovernac.org, click on the Impact link and details of the I Can Campaign can be found there.
