For the sake of the community

The efforts of a small number of people have resulted in a large amount of money being raised to build a new $2.5-million sports centre which should serve the Renwick community for many years. What was the secret to their success? PENNY WARDLE talks to the fund raisers.

Fund raisers for the new $2.5-million sports Giesen Sports and Events Centre in Renwick have tapped into deep generosity in the Marlborough community. In two short months a committee of 10 – including eight Renwick residents – raised $250,000 towards building the centre, enabling them to clinch $2.2 million of funding from the Marlborough District Council. They've since gone on to collect a further $490,000 – and they're not stopping there.

The project had modest beginnings, explains fundraising co-ordinator Christine Shelton. The initial plan was to lift the old Renwick rugby clubrooms onto a concrete base. The Renwick Recreation Committee – representing sports groups which used the council-owned park – raised $50,000, then in 2005 went to council with a request for $450,000-$500,000.

The proposal was turned down, but Abel Properties was engaged to develop a more ambitious vision.

An architect came up with two options: a compact $1.4m facility or a $1.8m building that would service Renwick for 20 to 30 years. The second option was selected and the committee went to tender.

Reality struck when the tender came back at $2.8 million, "and we had to trim the cloth", recalls Renwick Sports Centre committee chairman Paul Guile.

The next step was to return to council, which agreed to provide $2.2m if the community could raise $250,000.

It was time to call in the big gun, entrepreneurial businessman Ross Anderson of Blenheim, who had helped fundraise for the Marlborough Stadium as well as the Wairau Rowing clubrooms at Grovetown Lagoon. Mr Anderson agreed to help, providing he was backed by an administration professional.

Mrs Shelton, who had previously worked in the wine industry, came on board on a 20-hour per week contract for nine months. Once the money ran out she kept working voluntarily, "like everyone else on the committee".

The first donation in the book was from the Renwick Lions club which raised $4000 running a golf tournament.

Mr Anderson was the brains behind a fundraising breakfast, where key local individuals with strong networks and businesses were invited to pledge funds.

"Everyone on the committee got together and fired out names of who could be approached," recalls Mr Guile.

In August last year about 90 people turned up to the breakfast at Marlborough Vintners where the bubbles flowed, followed by donations. The spirit of giving was kicked off by two local businessmen who each pledged a generous $20,000.

By the time coffee was poured, the committee was confident they had the $250,000 needed to attract council funding.

Pledge cards for each invited guest were displayed on the wall. Everyone, who attended, took home their own plus any for acquaintances whom they knew hadn't attended, with Mrs Shelton following up.

Gold, silver and bronze pledges were offered. A total of $100,000 was promised on the day with money continuing to come in over the following weeks. Most donors opted to pay off pledges monthly over three years, with final instalments due in December this year.

Giesen Wines later donated a significant sum which gave it 10-year naming rights, with right of renewal.

Other high-profile events were celebratory debates featuring poet and entertainer Gary McCormick, comedian Ginette McDonald and local personalities. Held in 2007 and 2008, the debates were great fun, raising about $20,000 in total.

Another professional-cum-volunteer on the fundraising committee was Angela Adye, of Abel Properties.

"A gun" at form-filling, Ms Adye handled applications to the Canterbury Community Trust (which donated $200,000) and pub charity the Lion Foundation ($45,000).

Fund raising, including sausage sizzles, auctions and a raffle provided great opportunities for Renwick locals to get behind their new sports centre, said Mrs Shelton.

A newsletter – Renwick News and Views, launched by Jason Newman and Vicki Harrison-Jones – proved pivotal in raising awareness. Money has kept rolling in helping pay for add-ons to the building such as a full security and fire-alarm system and kitchen equipment.

Donations were still welcome with a car park yet to be built and landscaping to be done, said Mr Guile.

Essential items still needing to be bought included crockery and glassware, a trophy cabinet, soft furnishings and televisions.

TIMELINE

July 2008: Old clubrooms closed.

August 2008: Fundraising breakfast.

November 2008: Construction began.

October 10, 2009:The centre hosted its first function, a wedding.

November 7, 2009: Official opening.

- The Marlborough Express