Momentum Builds on Fundraising and Construction

We’ve typically used this space to share regular construction updates. But an equal amount of terrific work goes into the fundraising aspect of our project and we’re resolved to keep you just as up to date on that topic, too. So from here on in, watch this space for current news on our fundraising activity and stories from our generous donors about why they were moved to give … as well as your regular dose of construction activity.

So here’s the latest on the fundraising front. We’ve now passed the $22.1 million raised mark, out of the $29.5 million total budget to complete Phase 1 of the project. Phase 1, as you know, includes our beautiful, light-filled central Atrium, Library, Café, Youth Lounge, Family Chapel and other spaces, all in a LEED Silver Certified, environmentally-friendly building.

Notably, $1.1 million has been raised since the end of July, with $150k pledged in the last  two weeks alone. There is sense of renewed spirit at Holy Blossom, and with that comes an ever-increasing sense of momentum for our project. Over 250 Temple donors and families have stepped up thus far, which is wonderful news. Simply put, we need every congregant to participate generously in Renewal. Our project succeeds best when all of us make a (fully tax-deductible) gift that is aspirational, each according to our means.

Right now, we’re in the process of reaching out to each of you  on a one-by-one basis, for discrete personal meetings about your family’s gift to Renewal, and how you can be honoured for your generosity to Holy Blossom. If you’re interested in holding this discussion sooner, please contact our Director of Development, Jonathan Ain, at jain@holyblossom.org to schedule your meeting.

On the construction side of things, these past two weeks our contractor, Pomerleau, has been installing structural support columns, designed to hold up portions of the building once certain floor sections have been removed.  For example, some of these columns will support the administration area as the space below is excavated to create a new mechanical room, as well as badly-needed storage space.  This shoring has also enabled the crew to begin excavating new spaces on the lower level, while demolition proceeds in other areas.

We’ve also installed a second, live-streaming camera that will be on-line in a few days.  This will provide viewers with a direct view of the new Atrium as the work continues.  You can view both cameras by clicking here, but please note that the closer view is not live quite yet.

As always, we thank you for your continued readership, viewership and support (financial and otherwise) of our Renewal Project at Holy Blossom.