Important Questions and Answers
What is Waunakee DeForest Ice Rink, Inc. (WDIR)?
As a 501(c)3 WDIR, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization established to promote the educational and recreational needs of our area youth. It was formed to act on the findings and recommendations of a feasibility and planning study which showed the need and support for a multipurpose facility in neighboring communities. WDIR has a formal Board of volunteers which makes decisions on behalf of the entity.
What is the Building a Vision! For Our Kids, For Our Communities Project?
Lead by WDIR, Building a Vision! For Our Kids, For Our Communities is a project dedicated to the construction and operation of a multipurpose facility. This facility will provide space for recreational opportunities for all ages, as well as exhibit space to meet the growing business needs of Waunakee, DeForest and surrounding communities. To be successful the project will rely on the assistance and collaboration of the Village of Waunakee, Waunakee High School, Deforest Area High School, Wildcat Youth Hockey Association, area businesses and community minded residents.
Why is the Building a Vision! For Our Kids, For Our Communities Project being conducted now?
The feasibility and planning study showed overwhelming support of the project along with the right mix of all the ingredients necessary to make it successful. This included a growing youth population, strong community support for the investment in our youth, an outstanding building site, and a commitment by community leaders and many interested citizens willing to work together to make the facility a reality.
What are the benefits of the Building a Vision! For Our Kids, For Our Communities Project?
The closest ice rink is about 25 minutes away. On average, players travel one hour per day, five times per week during the hockey season. Over the course of a season, this results in countless hours on the road traveling to and from practices, games, and tournaments. The new Expo Center will eliminate the need for excess travel time – and complicated car pool schedules – giving precious quality time back to families.
Community business will also benefit from the new facility. Fees associated with youth and high school hockey programs alone exceed $120,000 per year. And a UW Madison study found that families traveling to attend tournaments spend approximately $95/day for lodging and $66/day for restaurants. The new Expo Center will boost our economy by keeping those dollars in our community.
Finally, the community is in need of a safe environment for our children. Providing that environment, along with organized activities, for example – open skating times, will make this an even better place to live.
Where will the Expo Center be located?
The Expo center will be located on the corner of Hogan Road and Uniek Road. This land has been generously donated by Don Tierney & MLG to the Village of Waunakee and is zoned for recreational usage.
What is the total cost of the project?
WDIR is working with specialists in Ice Arena / Expo Center design to confirm costs for this multi use facility. The estimated cost is $3 to $3.5 million.
Who will be asked to support the Building a Vision! For Our Kids, For Our Communities Captial Campaign?
WDIR has launched a capital campaign to raise a minimum of $2.5 million in cash pledges and in-kind donations. The challenge is that the entire amount must be raised from philanthropic sources.
WDIR, Inc. is seeking multi-year pledges from individuals, families, corporations and foundations that recognize the importance of extraordinary community support. A gift to the campaign is an investment in the future. You, your family, your neighbors and friends will reap the benefit of the Expo Center for many years to come.
How long will the Capital Campaign last?
The public announcement of the Building a Vision! For Our Kids, For Our Communities Campaign began in the fall of 2008 and will conclude with a victory celebration to be scheduled as we approach our stated goal.
How much should I give?
Everyone’s contribution is important to the success of this project. We ask that you consider making the very best commitment possible. Your gift may be pledged over a period of up to five years. In making your decision, it may be helpful to see how a five-year pledge could be honored:
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes. WDIR, Inc. as a new 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has filed our application with the IRS to be recognized as a non-profit. All gifts to the campaign are tax-deductible as allowable by law.
What if I have questions about making a gift?
There are many gifting options available. Gifts of securities and cash pledged to be paid over a 5-year period, are the most common and desirable commitments. Gifts of appreciated marketable securities are also welcome. Many individuals may find planned giving beneficial. Please call (608) 850-4678 if you have any questions or need more information.