Kroc Center nears $20 million funding goal

Derek Dugan was told it would take two years to raise the $20 million needed to help fund the Salvation Army's Kroc Center in Augusta.

But with more than $17 million in donations in just nine months, Mr. Dugan, coordinator for the Kroc Center, said they will likely have the money by the end of the fall.

"Things are looking very good," Mr. Dugan said. "We are stunned."

Supporters must raise $20 million to tap an endowment of $67.8 million to eventually build the 85,000-square-foot community building that will house everything from a performing arts center to fitness rooms. The endowment is part of $1.5 billion left by Joan Kroc, the wife of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, to establish Kroc Corps Community Centers all over the country. When the funding becomes available, the center in Richmond County will be built in the Harrisburg area on land near the Augusta Canal.

The economic collapse had raised some concerns among fundraisers about whether they could reach their goal, but Mr. Dugan said they came to the conclusion that "not succeeding is not an option."

"The people involved combined with the fact that it's serving over 50 Augusta nonprofits, it just makes sense," he said. "It was too good to pass up."

To raise money, Mr. Dugan said anyone interested can purchase bricks engraved with their names for $50. The bricks will be used in the building's terrace and park trail. Donations to the center can be made at (706) 364-4036. Supporters also can get "I'm for Kroc" bumper stickers and yard signs.

Reach Adam Folk at (706) 823-3339 or adam.folk@folk@augustachronicle.com