Public fundraising begins this week.

The public fundraising effort for the Glen Arbor Garden project officially kicks off this week with a series of events aimed at reaching the goal of $75,000.

A LOGO designed by Greg Sobran will be
used to help with the fundraising campaign
for the Glen Arbor Garden project.

"We've been working hard since early spring with the hope that the project would be approved," said Linda Young, chairperson of an organizing committee that recently formed. She added a fundraising plan has been created, and publicity materials that include a website have been developed.

Since approval of the project by the Glen Arbor Township Board in June, the committee has been working double-time to put final plans in place.

In addition to Young, the volunteer fundraising committee includes Don and Carol Worsley as honorary chairs; Fred Missad, campaign treasurer; Mike Buhler, publicity, and Jim Becker, Ann Davey, Jack Putnam and Karen VanNort, special events organizers. Township treasurer Terry Gretzema serves as liaison to the group.

“We’ve been really pleased with the enthusiasm for the project and the many offers to help,” Young said. “As we launch our first events this next week, we already have pledges for nearly $30,000. It has been gratifying to have this early support from so many people who want to see this project get under way.”

The Glen Arbor Garden will feature public bathrooms, including a family restroom that will be open six months of the year; a community information kiosk managed by the Chamber of Commerce; gardens; picnic tables; and seating areas. Both design and fundraising committee members believe the garden’s central location on Lake Street is a plus to residents and visitors alike.

The first major effort is a 3,000-piece mailing with brochures and donor information to the residents of Glen Arbor Township and to property owners on Glen Lake. A commemorative brick program with engraved bricks in two sizes available for purchase has also been organized. The bricks will pave the seating area.

“We think this is a great way for those of us who love Glen Arbor to honor our family, grandchildren, parents and loved ones in the garden,” Young said.

In addition to donations, community support has also been shown with in-kind contributions. Artist Ted Peterson has created conceptual paintings of the park, and Greg Sobran designed the logo for brochures. The materials will be set up Friday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. at the proposed site on Lake Street.

“We’ve designed materials and signs so that people can envision what the garden will look like as they stand on the property,” Young said. “We’ll also have ‘buy a brick’ forms available.”

Brochures may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce and the Village Sampler.

The overall cost for the project is $250,680. Township funds will cover the restrooms, kiosk, walkways and infrastructure, which has an estimated $196,404 pricetag. The private fundraising effort will fund the anticipated $54,276 cost to landscape the garden. In addition, the fundraising committee hopes to raise $15,000 to establish an endowment fund for future garden upkeep.

“Our intent is that for every dollar donated, 20 cents will go into this fund,” Young said. “We all know that a garden needs tending to thrive so we want to establish a fund for future needs.”

A “Glen Arbor Garden” fund has been established with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation so that donors may receive a tax deduction/credit for their gift. More information can be found at www.glenarborgarden.org.