By RODNEY HATLE
Contributing Writer
Accepting the reasonable suggestion printed in the August 6 Star Eagle, two donors for renovating the former hotel have allowed a picture of their gift money.
A letter from the chair and president for Area Food Shelf of New Richland, Larry Goehring, recommended that people “empty the change” from pockets and purses and give to the cause.
The money will be multiplied by the State Bank of New Richland’s Matching Funds Challenge, “pledged up to $20,000.”
This offer will continue to Oct. 15, 2015.
At the August meeting of New Richland Area Historical Society, a container was tipped on the table to display contents of a can crammed with a variety of coins.
The two donors’ method has been to fill a cup upstairs and pour the money into a one pound container downstairs. They report that the weight of coins is, so far, 19 pounds. The can is more than two-thirds full.Whatever a person’s plan may be it will, as the letter writers state, “go a long way to help meet the needs of the area. The $100 “folding money” in the photo is a separate contribution from a former New Richland resident.
The building in question is the century-old former Washburn House/Hotel New Richland, the new home for NRAHS and AFSNR.
Work on the building was begun early in the year. Leadership of the two non-profit organizations have been thankful for early donations and volunteer help that have allowed for repair of the long roof and continued work inside.
Much more work is necessary. Tours may be arranged at times when safety can be reasonably assured.