In July of 2019, the Paulding Vision Board members launched their “Our Dream of a Million” campaign where their goal was to raise $1 million for quality of life projects across Paulding County in 5 years. Initially, there were 11 targeted beautification projects, but with COVID 19 impacting village budgets, only 3 of the projects are still moving forward.
So far, the board has raised roughly $70,000, with $25,000 of that being donated by EDP Renewables. “Donations have slowed due to COVID 19, which is completely understandable. We are off pace by our original goal, but that’s not going to stop us from having an impact! The Paulding County Vision Board has decided to move forward on allocating $25,000 with $5,000 going toward the parks continuing their projects despite the circumstances (Each project had matching funds). Also, our board is pleased to announce we will be giving each town, who didn’t receive a larger amount, a $1,000 contribution to spur some type of beautification project,” stated Paulding County Vision Board Member, Erika Willitzer.
The following is how the projects will be distributed:
Broughton will receive $5,000 toward their park and playground equipment
Grover Hill will receive $5,000 toward the “Welcome Home” Park
Paulding Soccer Club will receive $5,000 toward their new soccer complex to be located at the Lela McGuire Jeffery Park
All other villages not listed above will receive $1000, plus the Paulding County Park District will receive a donation for their current project. Villages will have until December 18, 2020 to use the funds. “These are tough times and from the very beginning we wanted to make sure the projects we were going to support had funding to back them up. That all changed due to COVID 19. We know villages and residents are struggling and we just hope this $1,000 donation will give them a boost of inspiration and hope to do something that will bring encouragement to their residents” stated Vision Board President Lisa McClure.
The Paulding County Vision Board’s mission is to coordinate collaboration, plan strategically, secure funding, and create a livable Paulding County community. The board was officially formed in 2018 and structured under the Paulding County Commissioners. Each village and the township association in Paulding county have a seat on the board, although not every village is participating.
“We still have a few unfilled seats from villages. We understand some might be skeptical and not want to attend another meeting, but this is a team of passionate people wanting to make a real difference in our county. Our focus isn’t on talk, but rather action! Just two weeks ago, we released an updated housing study to be used as a recruitment tool for potential developers. We’ve also decided, instead of holding onto the funding for when everyone re-grouped after COVID 19, to allocate right away. Action is needed now! Spirits need lifted more than ever NOW, and collaboration is key to making it all happen,” said Willitzer.
A fund has been established with the Paulding County Area Foundation. The Paulding County Vision Board doesn’t plan to stop fundraising efforts. If you would like to donate, please make checks payable to the Paulding County Area Foundation with the memo line stating Vision Board.
For more information on the Paulding County Vision Board visit their website at: www.PauldingCountyVisionBoard.com or follow them on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/PauldingCountyVision.
