ARCHIVE

Tampa State Bank donates $10,000 to MAC years ago

Marion Advancement Campaign (MAC) board members recently received encouraging news.

Tampa State Bank has donated $10,000 to the non-profit foundation, which will benefit Marion and the surrounding area.

"The support of local businesses is essential and we appreciate Tampa State Bank's willingness to step forward and invest in the future of the area," said Gene Winkler, a MAC board member and spokesman for the organization.

The first project for the organization is a community center and movie theater complex.

Formed in 2004, the foundation determined the first project should be one from which the majority of the community could benefit.

The foundation-owned community center would be available to rent for wedding receptions, reunions, parties, auctions, and seminars.

A two-screen movie theatre would feature recently released movies at affordable prices.

All would be housed in one building with the majority of the labor provided by members of the community.

Fund-raising began in April with a formal dinner, "A Legendary Affair," referencing the name of the proposed movie theater, "The Legend Theatre."

That evening, Central National Bank presented a $10,000 donation to the foundation.

Since that time, Vernon and Madelyn Vogel of Marion have donated a five-acre building site on Eisenhower Drive, north of the baseball complex. The organization also received status as a 501(c)3 organization, which allows contributions to be tax deductible.

Board members have been working with an architect to finalize design plans for the facility.

"We have established a community foundation that will allow people to make tax deductible donations to projects that will help make this city and area a more attractive place to live," said Gene Winkler, a member of MAC.

With a building site determined and design plans near completion, approval of a grant application could mean the beginning of construction within a year, said Winkler.

Plans will be made available to the public upon completion.

Larger donors will have the opportunity to name a movie theater or community center.

When the first project has been completed, future projects may follow.

"There is a great deal of interest in other things like a recreation center with an indoor pool," Winkler said. However, he stressed that future projects will depend on the completion of the first project.

Pledges of support have been received from the City of Marion and individuals. If a grant is awarded, people will need to make good on their promises.

"We'll be calling on everyone to fulfill their pledges," Winkler said.

Quantcast