EXCERPT FROM: Columbus Telegram
By Eric Freeman
PLATTE CENTER -- Grace Lutheran Church in Platte Center was founded in 1941. The congregation is looking to the future and is excited about its increase of young families into the congregation.
In response to this increase and the needs of the community, the congregation has committed itself to the construction of a new preschool and daycare facility, which will be called P.C.’s Lil’ Angels Preschool/Daycare.
A live and silent dinner auction will be held beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the church, with proceeds going toward the construction of the preschool and daycare.
Admission will be $8 for adults, $4 for children age 4-12 and free for children age 3 and under.
A 50/50 raffle will also be held with the winner receiving 50 percent of the total collected and the remaining balance going toward the project.
In addition to the auction and dinner, a bake sale, Tupperware booth, Avon booth and other vendor booths will be present during the event.
The meal will consist of roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cole slaw.
“The congregation researched the need for a preschool/daycare through a community survey last summer and we plan on sending a follow-up survey in the near future,” said Pastor Mike Stockmeyer.
Stockmeyer said the plan is to construct a licensed Christian faith-based preschool/daycare that will serve up to four infants, 16 toddlers, 12 four-year olds, 10 three-year olds and provide after school programs for up to 15 children.
The estimated cost of the 3,100 square foot construction is $300,000. The new building will be constructed on church property west of the parsonage.
Stockmeyer said the group is hopeful they will be able to break ground within one year but the final time-frame is dependent on the results of upcoming fundraisers and possible grant awards. He said the congregation hopes to have the new facility open by August of 2011 and the expectation is to employ up to 11 part-time employees and a full-time director.
“We really need the help of the Platte Center and Columbus communities,” Stockmeyer said. “We do not have any major sponsors, but we are hopeful that some will step up and be a major sponsor.
“It will not be easy to raise the funds and this is why we need everyone's help to make this happen. We trust in God that if it is meant to be, the doors will be open, and the parents and children will come.”
A letter recently sent to county residents and producers explained the project and a variety of donations methods that could be considered.
“In order to best support, serve, and reach out to our community, Grace Lutheran Church would like to build a preschool/daycare. Platte Center’s Lil’ Angels pre-school/daycare will provide a religious based quality child care and education to our church members as well as the surrounding community.
The committee explained that through its “First Harvest” program local producers could consider donating the tax deductible proceeds from the sale of a full or partial load of grain.
The congregation is accepting donated items for the auction event or individuals may donate the item with an agreed percentage of the final sale price to go to the project.