Just 7 days will remain on May 25 for every donation in support of the Lopez Island Pool to be matched dollar for dollar.
“Time is running out!” volunteer Robin Bergstrom called out from behind her colorful textile-art fishhead outside the new Lopez Village Market last Wednesday.
“We want to start Phase III of pool construction with a clean slate,” she continued. “FLIP, the Friends of Lopez Island Pool, received a generous pledge from a family foundation to match every donated dollar up to a total of $5000 to meet our goal. So, your gift of $20 is instantly doubled by the foundation to $40—provided it is donated by June 1!”
Phase III is the major capital campaign for actual pool construction, beginning with water, utilities and septic infrastructure. It will be launched when all final bills for Phase II aquatic center design and preliminary planning fees are paid. FLIP is dedicated to financing the pool construction entirely through private donations and foundation grants, which will avoid county departmental control and added taxes. Earned income from memberships and swim fees will help defray operating costs once constructed on Center Road near School Road.
“The community has worked very hard and been super-supportive through this lengthy planning process,” added Linda Barton, FLIP President. “We are so proud of all the work that went before, leading up to FLIP taking the reins to bring the project even further. Now we have tax exempt status, land, zoning and an architectural design. But we need a few more people around the island to help promote the pool and challenge grant, and to volunteer at our fundraising raffle table. We would also welcome fresh faces on the board of directors to help steer this huge island undertaking.”
Donations since the March announcement of the challenge grant total $1,100 as of May 13, which will magically turn into $2,200 thanks to the anonymous family foundation.
Make a donations by credit card on FLIP’s secure website page, www.lopezislandpool.org, or by check to FLIP at PO Box 453, Lopez 98261, or in cash wherever you see the colorful fishhead worn by a volunteer with the donation fishbowl.
FLIP is raffling a donated two nights at Aleck Bay Inn or a luscious chocolate cake made by Holly B for $5 per ticket. Look for the FLIP fishhead at the Farmers Market May 22, 29 and beyond, or call Robin at 468-2253.