Donations have passed the $100K mark — and there’s still time to contribute before PBF publishes the list of donors on Sept 30.
The Piedmont Beautification Foundation is thrilled to announce that contributions to its fund to provide sustainable landscaping and support the city’s effort to use green infrastructure for the community swimming pool have passed the $100,000 mark, thereby fully utilizing PBF’s $100,000 matching grant announced this spring. The funds will go toward completion of the new pool’s landscaping with elements and plantings that are both aesthetically appealing and ecologically sensitive.
As of Aug. 16, PBF has received contributions totaling $111,611. It is not too late for citizens to add to that total. PBF plans to publish the names of donors as of Sept. 30; thus, there is plenty of time for everyone to become supporters of this landmark project.
When informed of the success of the campaign to date, Eric Havian, a leader of the PRFO campaign to fill the original funding gap for the pool, had the following to say: “PBF’s extraordinary contributions have been most valuable because they send a message to the entire City that the value of the Community Pool is not limited to sports groups. The unprecedented support of civic organizations like PBF demonstrates to our residents that everyone will benefit from this jewel in the center of Piedmont. PRFO is profoundly grateful to PBF for stepping up in such a major way.”
PBF has been a supporter of the pool from the beginning. It endorsed Measure UU, the bond measure providing the major funding for the pool. When bids came in higher than anticipated, the PBF Trustees voted to contribute $25,000 to help kick off PRFO’s campaign to fill the gap. Now, with the success of the matching grant campaign, Bob McBain, a former mayor and PBF member was delighted, saying, “I’m very grateful that PBF was an early and enthusiastic supporter of the pool project, and has now encouraged others to make contributions to make the pool an amazing facility.”
With over $236,000 having now been contributed or pledged toward the pool, PBF hopes its total support may reach a quarter of a million dollars. The sustainable landscaping that PBF will fund will bring native plants and green infrastructure to the pool facility that will conserve water and reduce runoff and pollution. The plants will build the soil and provide habitat for birds and pollinators. This is clearly in line with PBF’s motto: “PBF in partnership with the City for a Safe, Sustainable and Beautiful Community.”
Contributions to the pool landscaping campaign can still be sent to PBF at City Hall, 120 Vista Ave., Piedmont, CA 94611-4301. Or donate online by visiting www.PiedmontBeautificationFoundation.org.