Lenawee Community Foundation Announces Commitment for Proposed New Community Center

By: Sue Hammersmith

Up to $2 million has been approved by the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors toward the cost of construction of a new community center for the City of Tecumseh.

Pending approval by Tecumseh City Council, construction of the facility could begin this spring in John Smith Park, located on North Evans Street, with completion anticipated by early 2013.  The community center would provide fitness programs and recreation activities for the public, as well as rental space opportunities. 

The Lenawee Community Foundation strives to provide quality services and projects, according to its mission “to enhance the quality of life of the citizens” of our local community.  Over the last five years the Foundation’s Tecumseh Grants Committee, chaired by Charles H. Gross, has worked diligently to lay the groundwork for the creation of a facility for the entire community to enjoy.

“The Lenawee Community Foundation is pleased to be the motivating force behind this great project,” stated Dave Hickman, Chairman of the Board of the Lenawee Community Foundation.  “We appreciate the outstanding cooperation from the City of Tecumseh and are grateful that the Thompson family has made it possible for the Lenawee Community Foundation to initiate a project that will make such a huge impact.”

Funding for the project has been committed from the Ruth V. & Ruth Anne Thompson Fund of the Lenawee Community Foundation, which was the created as a result of the donors’ estate plans.  Ruth V’s husband and Ruth Anne’s father, John Thompson, was President of United Savings Bank of Tecumseh until his retirement in 1962.  Merlyn Downing, former United Bank & Trust President, was instrumental in the Thompson family’s estate planning that directed the Tecumseh community as the ultimate beneficiary.

The Lenawee Community Foundation is the only local nonprofit that works primarily for the future of the community.  This work  is accomplished by assisting individuals, businesses, and organizations in achieving their charitable goals.  Most of the Foundation’s funds are endowed – gifts are permanently invested, and earnings are utilized for the charitable purposes specified by the donor.

Donors to endowed funds in the Lenawee Community Foundation can address health, civic projects, culture, education, or social services.  Additionally, contributors benefit from the Foundation’s personalized service, local expertise, and community leadership.  “Best of all,” stated Hickman, “gifts work ‘for good for ever’.”

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