The Prairie Wind Fitness Center
                                          by Sheridan County Health Plus, Inc   

funding.htm | expanded fundingl.htm | index.htm                      Up                   

                                                     Funding

There are many potential sources of funds for such a venture: donations, public and private grants, matching funds, and borrowed funds.  It is our feeling that, ideally, the building funds will be provided by those who will use it and those who feel they want to support such an endeavor in Sheridan County.  There are many ways to donate.  We plan to have a plaque at the entry of the facility recognizing those who donate in the Medal classes and medallions
for those who ‘buy a brick’ for $100.

 We do feel that there is enough discretionary spending in the county to build such a structure but also realizes that a first class facility is going to require a large initial expenditure and, also, that we may not be able to depend solely on donated funds.  For this reason, were are pursuing other options by contacting various government agencies and private foundations that may have grants and matching funds available for such a community health project that utilizes renewable energy sources so well.  If any of our readers have any knowledge of available funds, please seek us out.

 Another aspect of funding a project such as this is to keep construction costs low.  Many recent larger building projects in our county have depended on outside large contractors coming into the community to build.  This ends up adding charges for remote location and other charges.  By using local help guided by outside experts, costs can be kept lower.

                                                                         DONATED FUNDS:

We realize that many of our potential members do not have readily available funds to contribute, but it is indeed true that from a tiny acorn a great oak grows.  If resident of Sheridan County were to contribute one dollar a day, more than $1,400,000 would be raised in a year.  For this reason we would like everyone to consider the concept of the ‘layaway donation’.  There are accounts set up at the local banks so that people can put a little away on a regular basis.  It all adds up.  If you don’t feel that you can be a member, consider a few of the following scenarios:

·         Many local employers have volunteered to pay their employees membership fees if the center is built.  This amounts to about $0.25 an hour raise for the participating employee.  If the employer is willing to invest in their employee’s health, perhaps the employee can contribute the funds to build the facility.  The employee can have an automatic withdrawal from their paycheck that is deposited in a layaway account at the bank.  Twenty-five cents an hour for a 40 hour work week is $10 a week.  Will you miss it?

·         Do you have a grandchild or any significant personal friend that you are concerned about because they have too much free time on their hands?  The Fitness Center will be an ideal place to use that time constructively.  The ‘layaway’ gives you an opportunity to affect someone else’s life.

·         Do you have a habit that nickel and dimes you?  A can of pop a day, a candy bar a day, a pack of cigarettes, playing the machines, etc.  Put that money to use building a structure that will improve your health rather than take it.

·         Medication and health costs too high?  The fit individual has less health related expense.  Take matters into you own hands.  Layaway a little now so you can improve your fitness in the near future.

Do you own stock that has appreciated dramatically over the past number of years.  Sometimes it pays to donated appreciated property rather than pay taxes on the gain.  Talk to your financial adviser and keep the Fitness Center in mind.

                                                             Business Contributions
We have already mentioned paying for your employees membership fees.  Healthy employees mean fewer sick days, less insurance cost, and more productive employees.  You can also help by donating goods and services.  Also consider that such a new structure in town is going to mean a more attractive community for all and a better business atmosphere.  Growth can spur more growth.
                                   
                                    Former Residents                                 
Do you have fond memories of your rearing in Sheridan County?  Do you still have people here?  Have you wondered how you could express your appreciation and see the community improved.  A donation to the Fitness Center is a good way.
Do you have an expertise that can assist this project?  Please feel free to let us know.

We plan to give recognition to those donating funds.  This will be in the form of a plaque that will classify seven classes of donors:

• Zeus                            $50,000
• Olympus                      $25,000
• Gold                            $10,000
• Silver                             $5,000
• Bronze                           $1,000
• Participant                        $500
• Brick                                $100