A campaign to raise $20 million toward the Salvation Army's Kroc Center in Augusta's Harrisburg community has gained $2.5 million more in pledges.
Organizers who announced $10.5 million in contributions May 11 said this week that the total is now $13,062,594 -- less than $7 million from the local commitment needed to qualify for matching funds to build the 85,000-square-foot center.
"We're just shy of two-thirds of our goal," said Kroc Center coordinator Derek Dugan, who would not identify the newest donors.
The 17-acre center is the legacy of a gift by McDonald's heiress Joan Kroc to the Salvation Army after her death in 2003. Her $1.5 billion gift was designated to build "Kroc Corps Community Centers" across the nation. Trustees awarded $33.9 million for construction and $33.9 million in endowment funds for Augusta's center.
Mr. Dugan said groundbreaking could occur in late summer or early fall.
Once open, the center will generate significant economic impact, according to a study by the Regional Development Center. The study said the center would have about 100 jobs, a $2 million annual payroll and generate 66 new households and retail sales of more than $2.1 million a year.
Reach Rob Pavey at (706) 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com
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