Pavilion Project – An Amazing Asset

What exactly does that mean? It means that the construction of the Pavilion at ABATE Acres brings with it many opportunities. First and foremost, the opportunity to save some money on tent rentals during the Hummer. While many members will say that the rental expense does not offset the construction cost, I say this. Had we built this when we purchased the land 20 years ago, it would have already been paid for through tent rental expense savings over the years. Yes, the building is expensive, and yes, we are still in need of some donations to 100% pay for it, however the building offers us potential for future income in the way of winter storage opportunities and holding other future events there. A definite plus for the land in both respects.

By the way it, was a huge success at the Summer Hummer. Band acoustics were great, and it offered us a perfect shaded setting for the Taste of Summer at the Hummer. Thank goodness it didn’t rain this year, but if it had we would have had a spacious canopy to stay dry under and still enjoy the various antics that took place…And the construction itself is top-notch with rafters that will not allow birds to build nests underneath it. These types of rafters keep us from having to place netting under them, which on a building the size that we have would have been a big expense and a nightmare to maintain. Well done, land committee. Much thought went into this, and it shows.

So where does that leave us? We still need to raise $22,558.93 to pay for the project in full. This total includes the building of the Cornerstone Wall which we have been selling bricks for. Keep buying bricks because you’re running out of time to do so.

How do we finish paying for it….Again, Continue to Buy Bricks. Continue to Drop your Change. Continue to Pass The Hat at your regional meeting. Continue to Fundraise with the Pavilion in mind. For example, if your region has not held its once a year charitable donation event consider holding a Regional Charitable Event that benefits the Pavilion (Charity does begin at home.)

As mentioned, the Cornerstone Brick program is coming to a close. If you are serious about having your name placed onto the wall, you need to step up your game and buy a brick by the end of this month or July 31, 2023. The engraved bricks will be ordered at the beginning of August and construction of the wall will begin in September. Craft Masonry out of Slinger, WI and members of Region 1H, are spearheading the construction. Plan to come to land closing to see what it looks like completed.

A big THANK YOU to members that bought buckets and mugs at the Summer Hummer that were earmarked for the Pavilion Fund. There are not many left, but those that are will be available to purchase at state events. A BIGGER THANK YOU to all of you that supported the building of this Pavilion and your very generous donations and fundraising events to pay it off. It took a lot of dedication and a lot of hard work. I knew ABATE of WI could do it!

The Land Development Committee

Robert “Worm” Grasse

Committee Chair