MAHS meets their fundraising goal – raises $84,000 for K-J House!

Still of Pat Vailliencourt in front of K-J House in PSCP Campaign Video.

On Thursday July 7, the same day the Manchester Area Historical Society celebrated “Manchester Heritage Day” at the Kingsley-Jenter House, the Society also announced the successful conclusion of its 60-day fundraising campaign titled, “Kingsley-Jenter House Community Place.” This campaign relied on a crowdfunding approach organized and sponsored by the State of Michigan through the Detroit-based web firm Patronicity. In this program, State agencies Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan State Housing Development Authority will match contributions made locally towards “Public Space and Community Place” projects, if a certain goal is met. This fundraising source is available to non-profit organizations seeking to rehabilitate empty buildings in downtown areas into community gathering places.

The Society set a campaign goal of raising $40,000 in the 60-day period, which the State of Michigan would match if the goal was met. They were able to raise $46,143 in this period from 73 patrons, ensuring the match! Thus they will have approximately $84,000 to use after campaign platform fees are deducted, which will be applied to major refurbishment of the Kingsley-Jenter House into the Society’s headquarters, museum and archives, and a central community meeting space for use by organizations and individual groups in a setting of Manchester history.

The funds will be used for roofing, plaster, electrical, heating and cooling, structural, lighting and painting upgrades, as well as purchasing new furniture and video/audio equipment for the main meeting room, improving ADA accessibility and creating additional gallery space and upgraded restrooms. This meets a need in Manchester for such a facility, and its central location in town provides excellent visibility for events. The Society is already hosting service club meetings, Chamber of Commerce presentations, and local family and business gatherings.

The Manchester Area Historical Society gives their sincere thanks to all their patrons, including major contributors, the Manchester Chicken Broil and the Kiwanis Crazy Cash fundraisers. All donors will be recognized by a contributors’ plaque to be placed in the house lobby. The fundraising website is still viewable HERE.

Rug hooking at the K-J House during Heritage Day.

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by Ray Berg