Willie Ross School Crowdfunding Campaign For New Playground Nearing 50% of Goal
Longmeadow— The Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) earlier this year launched a crowdfunding campaign that has reached 42% of its goal of $75,000 to build a new playground at the school on its main campus at 32 Norway Street.
Thus far, the campaign has achieved $31,544 in donations from 92 donors. Contributions have come from faculty and staff, board members, students, parents of students, alumni and members of the larger community.
The crowdfunding campaign is scheduled to conclude on October 1, 2021 and school leadership is appealing to the public, individuals and local businesses to consider making a contribution.
The crowdfunding campaign is accessible on GiveCampus. Those interested in contributing to the Willie Ross Playground Fund can do so online at: https://www.givecampus.com/v5xjfu, or scan the QR code with a cellphone camera.
The playground campaign was initiated as a result of a larger capital project that is renovating and expanding the outdated Sidney Cooley administration building that is near completion and features new space for interpreters, an updated audiology center, a redesigned main entrance, improved wheelchair access, new space for the school’s Creating Access to Real World Employment for Students (CARES) program and upgraded administrative technology.
According to WRSD President and CEO Bert Carter, “The old playground on our campus had to be removed as a result of our capital improvement construction project. We need the support of our community to help us purchase a new, safer playground that provides more space for our students. We appreciate the donors who have helped us reach close to 50% of our goal and are hopeful others in the community will support and help us achieve our goal and the construction of a new playground to serve our students.”
Proceeds from the crowd funding campaign will also include new landscaping to support the new playground. Donations for the new playground can also be mailed to the school, Willie Ross School for the Deaf, 32 Norway Street, Longmeadow, Massachusetts, 01106.
Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth from the early childhood level through high school. Willie Ross serves students at its main campus in Longmeadow and at its partnership campus located in the East Longmeadow Schools. Mainstreaming opportunities are provided at the partnership campus.