Fairmount Home Celebrates Successful Fundraising Campaign

Jul 11, 2013

County councilors, staff, residents, volunteers and community members gathered at Fairmount Home yesterday to celebrate the success of the Auditorium Revitalization fundraising campaign.

The campaign’s $200,000 fundraising goal was exceeded earlier this year, thanks in large part to major corporate donors including: Shoppers Drug Mart Bayridge Drive, Homestead Land Holdings Ltd, and the Kingston Frontenac Rotary Club. The fundraising committee, along with Fairmount residents, also hosted smaller initiatives to assist in raising funds, including making and selling fascinators, and selling plant bulbs and gift cards.

“The support Fairmount Home has received from the community for this project is remarkable,” says Warden Janet Gutowski. “It is only through this support that the County is able to revitalize the Fairmount auditorium and enrich the lives of both the residents and the surrounding community.”

Don Hart, Gord Lindsay and Clay Elston from the Kingston Frontenac Rotary Club were on hand to present the Club’s donation with the first of three cheques that will total $75,000. The donation came about after then President Murray Matheson challenged the members last year to find a project deserving of a large donation. Mr. Hart spoke fondly of the Club’s 40 year relationship with Fairmount Home and the ongoing involvement of Rotary members in many Fairmount events.

In 1971, Fairmount’s auditorium was designed as a venue to host social and educational activities for residents and their families, staff, volunteers, and community groups. In the past few years, issues with accessibility, lighting and temperature control have significantly reduced the usability of the room. When the revitalization is complete, the auditorium will once again boast a healthy schedule of events from worship services and bingos, to dances, educational sessions and large scale dinners.