Dieterich, IL -(Effingham Radio)- And the winner is?
Well, nobody knows that yet.
But on May 22nd, somebody is going to have the lucky raffle ticket and is either going to win a brand-new home or a pile of cash.
The combination of this successful raffle, plus generous donations from local residents, organizations and businesses will result in the construction of the Dieterich Community Center.
This small Effingham County town of approximately 800 has been proving to be a “can-do” community for several years.
Beginning in 1992, Dieterich was the pilot location for the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs’ MAPPING program (Management Area Planning Program Involving Non-metropolitan Groups). The goal was to bring residents together to not only pinpoint needs of the community, but to also put together action plans to help make progress happen.
The result?
A checklist of accomplishments that include a cell tower, downtown beautification, the expansion of EJ Water, a new Dollar General Store, plus a medical clinic and pharmacy. And all of that has been accomplished in 18 years.
“We have recognized what we need, addressed the obstacles and accomplished goals that have made our community better,” said Alex Wright.
Almost a year ago, the community came together again with a new list that included a day care and recreational center. From that, plans are now in place to build a 16,500-square-foot facility that would address both of those needs, plus provide space for a gymnasium and rooms for a workout facility and community events.
“We decided to put everything into one building. It’s more economically feasible,” noted Brent Bohnhoff, who along with his wife, Charity, Brittny Gipson, her husband Nick, and Alex comprise the leadership team of the Day Care & Rec Committee.
As they say – “All it takes is money.”
The project, which was originally slated to cost $1.25 million, was to be funded entirely through donations and fundraisers. However, with the State of Illinois awarding the Village of Dieterich a $2 million grant to build the 16,500-square-foot community center, money is less of an obstacle moving forward.
The grant came as a big surprise, even to those that are leading this project. With the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it looked as if the grant program may not be funded. But on March 16th, Dieterich Village Clerk and Economic Development Coordinator, Brittny Gipson, received a call from State Senator Darren Bailey’s office to share the news.
“This is a pie-in-the-sky dream to get this grant,” said Brittny “We really didn’t think this grant was a possibility.”
The community center is a shared project with the Village of Dieterich and many other agencies and businesses. A dedicated group of volunteer individuals, along with these agencies and businesses, have been working together since Fall 2019 to fund and build the center.
The original project would have been a welcome addition to this small community. It would have been a modest facility with limited site furnishings. With the grant, the project will evolve into a modern facility, fully equipped from day one. While the grant increases the scale of the project, organizers say that $900,000 is still needed in donations.
“We still need money to be donated,” said Charity Bohnhoff. “Of the $900,000 needed, $500,000 is to fulfill the matching requirement of the grant. $400,000 is to fully fund the daycare, as no grant monies can be used on that portion of the building.”
“Today we are sitting at $500,000 donated,” said Bohnhoff.
The majority of those donations have come from local businesses and organizations. The support for this project has been tremendous. Dieterich Bank is considered the pace-setting company, donating $125,000 to the project.
Other major contributors include Dieterich Community Development Corporation, the Dieterich Park District, Agracel, EJ Water, Heartland Dental, J&J Ventures, Wright’s Furniture, Koerner Distributor, Donnewald Distributing, Newton Power Plant and others.
And you can’t forget the land the center will sit on, it was donated by the Dieterich school district.
Along with the capital campaign the Dieterich Ultimate Home Giveaway is poised to be an additional funding source as well. The committee is hoping to generate between $600,000 and $700,000 through the raffle. The winner will receive their choice of a brand-new house, valued at $250,000, or $100,000 in cash.
The house is located on four-tenths of an acre in Hartke Subdivision. It will be approximately 1,700 square feet and include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full basement and a two-car garage. It will be move-in ready with completed landscaping and within walking distance of the school.
Besides the grand prize, there are 4 additional prizes worth more than $5,500 total. Tickets are $100 each or 6 for $500 and only 7,500 tickets will be sold. They can be purchased in person at all Dieterich Bank locations, all Wright’s Furniture locations or Dieterich Village Hall; or online at www.DieterichCommunityCenter.com.
The drawing is scheduled to be held May 22, 2021. And if the winner chooses the cash, there will still be a house to sell.
If you are interested in making a donation, please visit www.DieterichCommunityCenter.com.
The Dieterich Community Center will be located across the street from the school. It will include:
- Day Care – Daycare space for 50 children, age newborn to preschool; and 4 classrooms that will be compliant with all state regulations
- Gymnasium – A gymnasium with 1 full-size professional court and 2 smaller courts across; a 2-lane walking track around the court; and will be functional for basketball, volleyball, pickle ball, and more
- Community Rooms – 3 rooms will be available for corporate and individual use
- Workout Facility – A workout facility that will house cardio and weight equipment; 24-hour access; and individual, family and business memberships available
“We’ve accomplished big projects already,” Brent noted. “with the grant, fundraising, and home raffle, this project will be accomplished as well.”
Like the front of the community center handout reads: “The Dieterich community is one of growth and innovation. We have never been held back by our size. We bring bold ideas to life!”
About the Dieterich Community Center, Dieterich Community Improvement Foundation, and the Dieterich Ultimate Home Giveaway
The Dieterich Community Center is a volunteer led project between the Village of Dieterich, IL and the Dieterich Community Improvement Foundation. When built, the center will boast a 50-student daycare, full size gymnasium with cross courts, 3 community rooms, a 2-lane walking track, and 24-hour fitness center. Find out more here: https://www.dieterichcommunitycenter.com/
This Dieterich Ultimate Home Giveaway is sponsored and conducted by the Dieterich Community Improvement Foundation, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation (“DCIF”), located at 300 Sur Woods Drive, Effingham, IL 62401. Find out more here: https://www.dieterichcommunitycenter.com/dieterich-dream-home-raffle
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