Imbler’s new track hits a funding milestone thanks to the Ford Family Foundation

IMBLER – Last July, The Imbler Track Committee began raising funds for a new, larger, composite material track to replace the school’s current gravel one. Already off to a flying start after less than a year of fundraising, the committee hit a massive milestone thanks to a generous fifty-thousand-dollar grant from the Ford Family Foundation.

For those unfamiliar, the Imbler Track & Field Community Project is an effort to fund and construct a modern eight lane track, including lighting, that will allow the school to host official track meets. In addition, the composite material of the planned track will improve student health by eliminating the risk of shin splints, a common issue of running and practicing on the school’s current hard gravel track. Through a combination of grants and community donations, the committee has raised $385,636 out of a goal of $1,290,000, just shy of thirty percent of the total funds. At least, that was the previous amount raised.

On January 12, the committee announced via social media that they had been approved for a fifty-thousand-dollar grant from the Ford Family Foundation, putting the project at roughly thirty five percent of the total funds in an instant. The best part? The committee had only applied for a twenty-five-thousand-dollar grant. The Ford Family Foundation, impressed by the project, willingly doubled the grant amount to the complete surprise of most everyone involved. According to committee chair Ian Gordon:

“It’s a surprise. They were very poignant in commending us for the community involvement. They loved the proposal, and because we had that support, they said that it was a worthwhile project and gave that kind of funding. It’s great. It’s really encouraging to the people on the committee and in the Imbler community. I guess you could say that it’s a form of validation that we are pursuing a worthwhile project.”

With this boost in funding, and motivation, now in the books, the committee has plans to push for further donations and grants from established families in the Union County area. The next major milestone is the fifty percent funding mark, which will open up additional grant opportunities as the project gains confidence, with Gordon remarking:

“We’re pretty confident that we can get there, and we’re making an effort right now to make a case to people in Union County that they step up like the Ford Family Foundation did.”

Outside of the larger grants and donations, the committee is planning a spring 2024 dinner gala. In the meantime, individual donations are always accepted and encouraged. Thankfully, it’s easier than ever to view funding progress and learn more about the project. The Imbler Track & Field Community Project now host both their own website and YouTube channel. Donation opportunities, progress updates, testimonials from those involved, and renderings of the completed track can all be found online.

Website: https://imblertrack.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7WE5ECgrBzDLzKmmebRVA

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Elkhorn Media Group