Chicken Broil pledges $20,000 to Historical Society effort

The Manchester Chicken Broil has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to community-minded efforts through the years. This year, it has pledged $20,000 to the Historical Society's fundraising efforts for its new museum and community center.

The Manchester Chicken Broil Board of Directors recently approved a generous pledge of $20,000 to the Manchester Area Historical Society's drive to purchase and renovate the Kingsley-Jenter Home on the corner of M-52 and Main Street. Read the story of the Historical Society's purchase here.

The historical society has applied for a grant through the state, to make the needed renovations so their dream can become a reality, and part of the requirement to receive the grant is to raise its matching funds from local sources.

Michael Tindall, co-chair of the Manchester Chicken Broil, explained the Board's decision to make this donation, "In late February of each year, the Chicken Broil Board of Directors meets to discuss any fund requests, and review the broil finances," Tindall said. "After all the requests for funding are made, the board discusses the requests then makes a recommendation to our Committee Co-Chairmen (also known as the "voting members"). The Committee Co-Chairmen meet during the first part of March and votes on the funding request that the board of Directors recommend, and any other items needing funding or attention."

This year, the broil only received this one request for funding, but Manchester Community Schools Athletic Director Wes Gall presented his proposal for a future project that will need funding from the broil, Tindall explained.

"I was very happy that we were able to support the Historical Society's request as it is always good to see our funds shared with organizations that have not received Chicken Broil dollars recently," said Tindall. "This is a project that will be enjoyed by our entire community for many years to come."

Beginning with a fence surrounding the old Athletic Field (now known as Alumni Field) in 1954, the Manchester Chicken Broil has contributed more than $500,000 to the Manchester community over the past 60 years.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.