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Fri 21st Nov 2008 12:00 PM
Recently, Idaho’s Lt. Gov. James Risch toured the site of Coeur d’Alene
Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Joining him were his wife
Vickie, his staff members, past Lt. Gov. Jack Riggs and his son Peter. They are just a few of the community leaders and members who have
toured the site as it prepares for the grand opening in April 2009.
“Risch told me at the end of the tour that he has toured thousands of
buildings but he has seen very few like this Kroc Center that have been
so thoughtfully constructed for such a wonderful purpose,’” said Major
John Chamness, administrator of the Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center. Chamness
said they give at least two tours a day to business leaders,
contributors and government officials.
A recent “Kroctober” fundraiser event attracted over 200 people for a building tour and bratwurst meal.
The center was made possible through Joan Kroc’s $1.5 billion gift to
The Salvation Army upon her death in 2003; she designated that the
money be used specifically for community centers throughout the
country. This moneythe largest charitable gift ever given from an
individual to a single organizationis funding 30 community centers
bearing the Kroc name across the U.S.
Coeur d’Alene is the socioeconomic center of the five northern counties
of Idaho. The region is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation,
almost doubling its population in 15 years, from 112,686 in 1990 to
over 200,000 today.
A large low-income population of families, children and seniors dwells
in this rapidly expanding area. Currently the city has no community
center, so a Kroc Community Center has the potential to provide hope
and opportunity for mental, physical and spiritual growth in addition
to recreation programs.
The center will include the corps, a performing arts venue, a leisure
and a competitive pool, a multi-activity gymnasium, game room, lounge
and reception areas, community wing, indoor play area and party rooms.
by Stacy Howard
New Frontier
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