Community generously supports Kremmling’s gym project at Country BASH
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
On Oct. 4, a celebration took place in the new airport hangar at the McElroy Airfield in Kremmling. Families, Middle Park Health staff and the town of Kremmling enjoyed local food, an auction and dancing. This was the inaugural Middle Park Medical Foundation Country BASH.
The event raised money for the Medical Foundation’s Plank by Plank project. This project is to restore Kremmling’s Wellness Center gym for the enjoyment all of ages to stay active, play sports or host classes.
Attendees at the event enjoyed barbecue from locally raised 4-H beef, smoked by George Rojas. Sides were prepared by Thurowly Fresh Farms. Abundant bakery provided a table of never-ending cupcakes, Flowers by Marcia decorated and Thirsty Dills made drinks.
Inside the hangar two planes were on display, and Flight for Life Colorado landed its helicopter outside. West Grand student Luke Hickam and the Walker Williams Band provided tunes. At the family-friendly event, lots of kids and couples got out on the dance floor.
How much has been raised so far
The Country BASH raised about $100,000. The town of Kremmling pledged $10,000 and the medical foundation committed $30,000. Then community members raised over $60,000 through the auction and ticket sales.
So far, over $450,000 has been raised for Plank by Plank. Once the project reaches $500,000, Blue Valley Ranch will donate $50,000.
Andy Radzavich, the foundation’s executive director, said that staff are currently applying for a grant to receive a 100% match from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
“Although the match is not guaranteed, we have submitted a strong application, gained significant momentum and demonstrated solid community support,” Radzavich said.
If the foundation receives the grant, it can complete the entire project. If not, the foundation can still start with with phase one of the project once it has raised $500,000. This first phase is to open a renovated gym for the public.
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Colorado artist Leslie Groves-Sorady painted the Kremmling cliffs, which sold at the auction.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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A painting for sale by Leslie Groves-Sorady at the silent auction.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Attendees could bid on artwork and gift baskets in the silent auction.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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A single engine plane on display at the BASH.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
What the wellness center needs
Plank by Plank project seeks to transform the wellness center run by Middle Park Health, including the gym. The building is outdated — showers, bathrooms and locker rooms all need to be remodeled, the roof needs to be repaired, new windows installed and many other improvements.
If the community rallies, a new and improved wellness center can become the hub for Kremmling’s activities.
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Andy Radzavich, executive director of Middle Park Medical Foundation speaks at the Country BASH on Oct.4.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Sky-Hi News
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Jason Cleckler, CEO of Middle Park Health, speaks to the crowd at Country BASH on Oct. 4.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Courtesy photo
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Chris Sammons speaks at the Country BASH about the history of McElroy Airfield. Chris is part of the McElroy family, which donated land for the airport.
Meg Soyars Van Hauen/Courtesy photo
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