By Harry McCawley, The Republic
harry@therepublic.com
A commitment of $9 million by the three largest foundations of Bartholomew County has launched a community fund drive to rebuild the public portion of The Commons.
Armed with an additional commitment of $6 million by Mayor Fred Armstrong and the Columbus City Council, organizers of the fund drive hope to raise $3 million from the public in a campaign led by Jim Henderson, a retired chairman of Cummins Inc. and community activist.
The $18 million project is one part of an ambitious plan for the downtown outlined by Vision 20/20, a group of community leaders intent on revitalizing the area.
"Through these foundation grants, every dollar given by an individual, business of organization will be worth $4," said Sherry Stark, president of the Heritage Fund, the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.
The Heritage Fund, the Cummins Foundation and the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation each committed $3 million to the undertaking.
The Heritage Fund also has agreed to lead the community campaign, to be named "A Cause in Common."
Henderson, a former member of the Heritage Fund Board of Directors, noted the connection between plans for the new facility and its beginnings.
"The concept of the new Commons rose out of the original gift to the people of Columbus by Mr. and Mrs. J. Irwin Miller and Clementine Tangeman.
"The Commons stands as an outstanding example of the public-private partnership that has made this community so distinctive. Now we all have the opportunity to step up and help make the new Commons a reality," Henderson said.
"I look forward to helping the community meet the challenge set forth by Heritage Fund, Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation, and The Cummins Foundation through their $3 million grants.
"I know I speak for all of us in thanking the City Council and the mayor for their leadership in this important community initiative. We also thank the 3,000 people who - took part in the decision to proceed with the new Commons."
The foundation gifts are among the largest provided in this community.
Stark said that the $3 million from the Heritage Fund represents the largest grant it has made in its 31-year history.
Assisting Henderson will be the Heritage Fund's Development Committee, chaired by Mickey Kim, which will lead the community campaign.
Organizers plan to conduct the campaign through the remainder of 2008. Donors can choose to space their gifts over a three years.
Contributions will be taxdeductible and can be made through the Heritage Fund. Gifts can be mailed to: A Cause in Common, The Heritage Fund, Box 1547, Columbus, IN 47202-1547.
Help sought
Organizers also are asking residents to volunteer to help in the campaign and to offer ideas. Anyone interested can call the Heritage Fund at 376-7772.
This is the latest in many instances in which the major community foundations have combined in support of a community project.
Lynne Maguire, chairwoman of the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation said, "The Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation is pleased to be a part of such an exciting project for the downtown and our community."
"We are delighted about the opportunity to partner with Heritage Fund and The Cummins Foundation to offer a challenge to the community where every dollar contributed will result in $4 toward a newly renovated public Commons. It truly is a Common Cause."
Those thoughts were echoed by Tracy Souza, president of The Cummins Foundation.
"The Columbus community has an exciting opportunity to be part of bringing The Commons back to life as the cornerstone of a new downtown," she said.
"The Cummins Foundation, in partnership with the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation, Heritage Fund, and the City of Columbus, offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to make each contribution count ... four times. Working together we can create a common space downtown that will serve residents of this community for decades to come."
Speaking on behalf of the Heritage Fund, Chairman Jeff Brown said:
"Now it is time for us to step up and rebuild The Commons, which has touched the lives of so many people and was essentially a free gift to the community 35 years ago. And true to form, the community is continuing its record of extraordinary generosity from individuals and foundations alike.
"Heritage Fund is honored to be a part of this critical project, to build a new Commons and a vibrant downtown for future generations to enjoy."