1) What is The Friends of Pheasantbrook?
The Friends of Pheasantbrook is an organization made up of Pheasantbrook homeowners and residents, along with their friends, family and neighbors, who are interested in restoring Pheasantbrook to its original award winning beauty, one project at a time.
2011 is a pilot year, with the playgrounds as our first project. If we experience adequate support in the playground endeavor, future years will include a focus on other association amendments. If all goes as planned, within five years, we can restore all amenities in Pheasantbrook through fundraising efforts, rather than through special assessments.
Our goal this year is to replace or upgrade the three playgrounds in Pheasantbrook. The depth of work we accomplish will depend on the support we receive through volunteer work and fundraising support.
2) What is the Pheasantbrook Kids Club?
The Pheasantbrook Kids Club is sponsored by The Friends of Pheasantbrook and operates under their umbrella, providing an opportunity for our kids to a part of this movement. While the main focus of the Kids Club is to teach our kids how to live healthy, balanced lives, they will also be participating in fundraising efforts. We have a firm belief that the efforts our children put into raising money for the playgrounds will also teach them to have pride and ownership in their community.
The Kids Club will be contributing to the fundraising efforts through:
· The “Pennies for Playgrounds” fundraiser held last month (with great success and support)
· The Gardenwalk Lemonade Stand
· The Pheasantbrook Kids Club Fun Run
· Concessions sales at the Centerville 4th of July parade
Please see the Pheasantbrook Kids Club flyer for specific details about the club.
3) How much money are you trying to raise?
We are estimating a total of $65,000 dollars to replace all three playgrounds. These numbers are based off two separate bids we’ve already received. We estimate $45-50,000 for the play structures alone, with an additional $10-15,000 for preparations and finishing off the equipment. Following the KaBoom.org system, we can cut down on costs in several ways; for example, we can supply much of the manual labor ourselves.
4) What fundraisers will The Friends of Pheasantbrook sponsor?
Over the past year we’ve brainstormed a million fundraising ideas. We’ve narrowed it down to just a few of the best ones. The reality and success of each event depends on the number of volunteers we are able to round up.
· Community Yard Sale
· Pheasantbrook Booths at 4th of July Celebrations
· The Pheasantbrook Kids Club Fun Run
· Silent Auction
5) The list of fundraising events seems a little short for three playgrounds, are there any other methods of raising money that The Friends of Pheasantbrook is planning to use?
We agree, that’s not a lot of fundraising events, but it’s definitely a lot of work. If we were to raise every dollar needed for the playgrounds, we’d be working full-time jobs! And we already have full-time jobs. The Friends of Pheasantbrook plans to raise a significant portion of the funds needed through winning local and national grants, by building community sponsorships and through private donations.
· Grants
· Community Sponsorships
· Private Donations
6) Are there other events the Friends of Pheasantbrook will sponsor, besides fundraisers?
Besides restoring Pheasantbrook to its original beauty, The Friends of Pheasantbrook would also like to provide social opportunities to bring neighbors together, creating a better, stronger and more united community. Is there an activity you’d like to see listed here?
· Gardenwalk
· Block Parties
7) What Kind of Commitment Will I Be Making if I Volunteer?
We know that time is a precious commodity for everyone. We also know that having a community where we are proud to live and call home is important. We’re asking you to make a commitment to improve your community in a way that works best for you without comprising what’s important for you. Whether it’s time you have to give or money to donate, special skills to contribute or an ability to build business alliances; we
Here is a short list of the types of volunteers we are looking for and an estimated time commitment:
· Board Member
· Advisory Board (for those who have experience but not the time)
· Fundraising event co-chairs
· Fundraising event committee members, for some or all fundraising events
· Regular updates for the Friends of Pheasantbrook blog and the HOA newsletter
· At least one more adult to help with the Kids Club monthly activities
· Contact and create business alliances/community sponsors for various needs and/or cash donations
· Research possible grant opportunities and put together applications
· Compare playground equipment bids for the best selection
· Investigate what is required of our playgrounds per city regulations
· Organize the preparations preparing the grounds surrounding the playground
· Personal commitments to raise $50-$200 by December 31st outside of planned fundraisers with your friends or family
We know one person can only do so much. We do not expect anyone to do more than they are capable. That being said, the playground project is definitely going to happen, but it can only be as great as WE, TOGETHER can make it. That’s why we ask you to be a part of ‘WE’ in a way that works best for you. We are sure you will find more than one way in which you can volunteer, we encourage you to do all that you can and remember, we can only get out of this what we are willing to put into it.
Additionally, as you consider the volunteer needs that have been listed, consider the people you know, regardless of whether they live in Pheasantbrook. Do you know someone who would be able give help in the specific areas we need? Consider extending an invitation of participation to them. Or, tell us who you know, we are not shy about asking for help!
