Barrington White House nearing $6.8 million fundraising goal
Barrington White House staff members are ramping up their efforts to raise the final $300,000 needed to cover the $6.8 million renovation that converted the historic building from a distressed, vacant house to a community center.
White House manager Beth Raseman said that apart from a $200,000 anonymous gift secured this week, donations have slowed in the last six months. She expects that will change.
"We'd like to try to encourage everyone to give by Labor Day so we can have the donor wall done by the end of the year," Raseman said.
The donor wall, which will be installed near the building's entrance, will display the names of everyone who has given $1,000 or more.
"No more names will be added after it is installed," Raseman said, adding that it will be on permanent display.
Since the Fourth of July last year, when the renovated house at 145 W. Main St. opened to the public, it has been full of community activities.
Raseman said the house has hosted sold-out shows, such as a presentation by WTTW host Geoffrey Baer, as well as musical performances.
"There has been a strong interest in the community to see things here they might have gone downtown (Chicago) or to the North Shore for," Raseman said.
The White House also has been rented for wedding showers, corporate gatherings, bereavement functions and other events.
The local nonprofits leasing space on the building's second floor - Let it Be Us, the Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Barrington Children's Charities - have all moved into their new offices.
"The White House has been truly a wonderful addition to the community," Barrington Village President Karen Darch said. "We are thrilled with the strong support from the community."
Raseman said the house will host another July 4 open house for the public this year. It will feature guided tours and information about the house's place in Barrington history.
More information on the Barrington White House, including upcoming events, can be found at barringtonswhitehouse.com.