New anonymous $30,000 donor for Beacon
A Pine Island resident has stepped forward to assist the Pine Island Beacon of HOPE with a $30,000 matching funds donation. This is the second “matching funds” doner to step forward. The funds will be used to complete the ‘center section’ of the Beacon’s building at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle (Industrial Park).
“We have another anonymous donor,” Beacon Director Betsy Haesemeyer said. “A part-time resident that wants to remain anonymous stepped forward and offered $30,000 in matching funds. We have the offices at one end of the building and the thrift store at the other. These funds will be used to finish the middle section of the Beacon building.”
Currently the Beacon of HOPE uses the facilities at several “outside” locations on the island. “This will not only allow us to finish up the space,” Haesemeyer said. “But allow us to purchase the tables, chairs and some of the high-tech teaching aids that can really make a difference to our students.”
As part of the agreement the donor will also recognize “in-kind” donations. “Because the Beacon has a number of people who donate their time and labor and we can add that to the cash donations for matching funds,” Haesemeyer said.
“We’re very excited that this will enable us to purchase a ‘Smart Board,'” Haesemeyer said. “These boards are interactive that use touch detection for user input. It’s very high-tech and a valuable tool for instructors.”
The matching funds will be disbursed in $10,000 increments.
“This is very generous,” Haesemeyer said. “This will allow us to bring services we provide around the island all under one roof.”