Springbrook Looks To Gala To Make Expansion Reality

3-05-10

By LAURA COX : MILFORD CENTER

 “All I’ve ever wanted is for someday, when I’m gone, for them to be able to function”

RANDY GASTON, FATHER OF AUTISTIC TRIPLETS

‘Coming Home” and “Completing the Puzzle.”
These two phrases are used every day at Springbrook – the not-for-profit community for the developmentally disabled just off Route 28 – as the final push accelerates to raise the $2.5 million needed to free up a $2.5 million matching grant from Tom Golisano, Paychex founder, Buffalo Sabres owner and former gubernatorial candidate.
“Coming Home” refers to the $5 million drive.  “Completing the Puzzle” refers to the final phase, the dash for the finish line now in progress.
Springbrook is within $500,000 of the $2.5 million share, and Executive Director Patricia Kennedy hopes its annual gala, planned for Saturday, March 27, at The Otesaga, will take the effort over the finish line and allow a long-awaited $20 million expansion – the state is paying the balance – to begin.
The deadline for the matching grant challenge is March 31, a mere four days after the “Completing the Puzzle Gala,” and all proceeds from the gala will go towards the capital campaign. Last year’s gala raised $83,000 for the Kids Unlimited Preschool, so the challenge is considerable.
“Things have gone surprisingly well for a tough time,” said Kennedy.  “People are making an investment in Springbrook, because the project is worthwhile.”
The expansion includes three new single-level duplexes to house 24 more residential students. Each suite will have four single bedrooms, a living area, bathroom and dining room, providing a more serene and private living quarters than the current housing.
A larger gym is planned – now, Springbrook can’t host basketball games – a new kitchen and cafeteria with space where students sensitive to noise can dine in quiet, a new main entry and bus drop off, and a 6,700-square-foot classroom addition.
“The last piece in the puzzle for us is state approval,” said Kennedy, who says some donors are holding off until a firm starting date is known.
 “Our hope is to announce state approval and the start of the project at the gala,” she said.
Once approved, bids can be sought, according to Beth Peterson, development director.  The first spade could be in the ground in two months, allowing the 18-month project to be complete by the end of 2011.