GUILFORD — Thanks to the generous support of their donors, the Broad Brook Community Center (BBCC) has successfully completed its matching challenge, as supporters donated and pledged $250,000 to the capital campaign to renovate the 125-year old Grange Hall.
This amount was matched by an anonymous donor, for a total of $500,000 raised.
According to a news release, BBCC will continue to reach out to local, state, federal, and private foundations and granting organizations to get to its ultimate fundraising goal.
In the meantime, renovation is beginning.
The first step is to empty the building this month. A work party takes place on Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21 (following COVID-19 safety protocols). If you are interested in volunteering, email broadbrookcc@gmail.com or visit broadbrookcommunitycenter.org/volunteer.
The renovation, scheduled to take well over a year, will include vital improvements to the foundation as well as weatherization, fire safety, and accessibility upgrades throughout the building.
The finished building will have a commercial kitchen, full basement, and a performance and dance hall upstairs that will be accessible by elevator.
During the renovation, the Guilford Cares Food Pantry, which has been operating out of the building every Thursday, has moved to the First Aid Building at the Guilford Fairgrounds. The hours will continue to be from 5 to 6 p.m. every Thursday.
To stay in touch with the news on events and renovation updates, subscribe to the monthly BBCC e-newsletter by emailing broadbrookcc@gmail.com or by signing up at broadbrookcommunitycenter.org.