Concert kicks off Brainerd fundraising
A long, uphill battle to raise funds for a community center in Libertyville begins in earnest this weekend.
"It's definitely a big year," said John Snow, head of the not-for-profit Brainerd Community Center Inc.
The Stanley Cup Finals opening game aside, the group on Saturday night hopes to fill the Fuel Room at Austin's Saloon & Eatery, 481 Peterson Road, Libertyville.
Singer Dave Seabaugh, who covers a wide range of material in an orchestra-backed Las Vegas-style show is the main act. Jon Weppler, a local vocalist and son of Mayor Terry Weppler is the opener.
Tickets are $50 each available at village hall, Austin's or by visiting www.savebrainerd.org Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Organizers realize even a sellout will hardly dent the $300,000 lease payment on the Brainerd building and Jackson Gym due in July 2011.
"This is the first of several steps," said Jim Moran, a spokesman for the group. The purpose of this weekend's event is a fundraiser, but also publicity to get the Brainerd name out there."
Brainerd and the adjoining gym are the former Libertyville Township High School at 416 W. Park Ave. (Route 176), just southwest of downtown.
Volunteer attempts to convert the buildings into a community center have been ongoing for years but have generated little momentum or money.
The buildings are owned by Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128. They are leased to the village and subleased to the Brainerd group, but payments aren't required until next year.
A revamped Brainerd group has targeted this year to push what could be a make or break effort. The effort has been dubbed "Making Brainerd Real".
"We have $7,000 in the bank," Snow said. "What we're raising now is just enough to pay our bills and do some maintenance."
The Seabaugh concert is a start. But it is a wine/beer/cigar festival planned for Aug. 28 and 29 at Brainerd that is expected to generate more substantial cash toward the lease payment.
Meanwhile, funds are being sought from a variety of sources for roof repairs, a publicity campaign and a detailed engineering and architectural analysis.
"More importantly, we've got a serious grant writing group that's actually getting applications submitted," Snow said.
With that, the group has shifted to considering "sustainable" features for the buildings to include Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification, according to Snow.
"We're going to want to study the renovations and focus on this sustainability theme so the work that's done can be a showcase," he said.
Raising the profile with events is the immediate priority, Moran added.
"The more we do right now puts us on the radar of people who may be able to help us out," he said.