A Successful Capital Campaign for D&HHS
It was a time of celebration. A time for old friends to come together in a new home. A time for community.
The open house and ribbon cutting (the latter assisted by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce) to mark the move by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services to the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center was everything the D&HHS staff hoped it would be.
“What a wonderful event,” said D&HHS executive director Deb Atwood. “To see so many familiar faces, including many of the organizations that gave to our Capital Campaign that funded the move, was truly amazing.”
Indeed, during Atwood’s remarks, she announced to a loud roar the final results of the $266,000 Capital Campaign, noting that while the goal was probably small potatoes for many non-profits, it was an audacious step for D&HHS.
“It’s a big chunk of change,” she said with a broad smile. “But, we did it. We not only met that $266,000 goal, we exceeded it! And we exceeded it by eight percent with a few asks still out there yet! Every dollar makes a difference, and we are so, so grateful.”
Longtime board member Mickey Carolan, with his mother and his children in attendance, also spoke at the event, telling the 75-plus people in attendance that the space in which they were standing was going to bring to the west side of the state what he and his Deaf parents had growing up on the east side of the state, a place to gather and find true fellowship and community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing community happen here,” he said, as his mother beamed with approval.
He added: “To Deb, to the staff, to everyone gathered here, on behalf of the Board, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This is home.”