THE NEED FOR A NEW BUILDING

The Lawrence American Legion Hall has been the site of countless weddings, fundraisers, family reunions, funerals, birthday parties, anniversaries, meetings, baby showers, bridal showers and so much more. It has served the community of Lawrence well for several years but has drastically aged and deteriorated over the years of use.

In 2015, a group of interested residents of Lawrence, Nebraska saw a need to replace the aged and run-down Legion Hall. They believed a new building was a necessity for the future of their small community. Experts were contacted to obtain information on the proper way to approach building a new community center. This resulted in the administration of a community survey in 2017.

The survey results were used to draw up plans for a 120' by 120' building to replace the existing Legion Hall building. It will be built on 5 lots located on Main Street. The building plans include a large multipurpose room, fitness center, kitchen, bar, ample restrooms, smaller meeting rooms and space for the American Legion. The cost of the proposed building is currently estimated to be $1.4 million.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Lawrence has seen an increase of young couples/families moving to the community. New homes are being built and older homes are being renovated. Parks are being improved and Sacred Heart Church is undergoing a major renovation. Lawrence is thriving but needs continued improvement and growth to remain sustainable in rural Nebraska.

A new Community/Fitness Center with a larger multipurpose room will keep events in Lawrence as well as attract new events that will support our local businesses. The American Legion Veterans need and deserve a new gathering place. The addition of a Fitness Center to the community will be beneficial to the health and wellness of area residents and will provide an additional source of income for future upkeep.

We know there are so many who love Lawrence just as much as we do. Area residents and business have continued to support and donate to our cause, but our local resources are stretched thin. This building is a necessity for the future of Lawrence, and we need your help to get it built!

Our goal is to raise an additional $500K in order to apply for a Civic and Community Center Finance Fund grant. A CCCFF grant requires “shovel readiness” and community support. We want to have this building paid in full at the time it is completed.

Any extra funding over the cost to put up the building will be put into an endowment for future maintenance.

Donors and their loved ones will be acknowledged on a donor wall inside the new facility. There could be tax benefits on your donation if you itemize or make a donation of livestock, grain sales or IRA distributions. Donations are being held in a 501(c)3 fund with the Nuckolls County Foundation. Please consult your tax preparer with questions.

Thank you in advance for considering a donation to the Lawrence Community/Fitness Center Drive. Lawrence is truly a "Small Community with a Big Heart" and that is evident by the generosity of those who live near and far.

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