ORONO — Orono Public Library Foundation officials announced recently that the foundation has received a $15,000 matching gift from The First for Chapter Two: The Campaign for the Orono Village Green. The First will match new gifts to the campaign dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000. The gift will name the holiday tree on the Orono Village Green.
“We’re profoundly grateful to The First for their generous matching support. Their contribution endorses our message to prospective donors — don’t let this campaign end without you,” Foundation President and Campaign Co-Chair Sarah Kenney said.
In announcing the matching gift, Tony C. McKim, president and CEO of The First said, “We are honored to collaborate with the community and make a $15,000 matching gift to help the Orono Public Library Foundation cross the finish line and reach the goal for the Orono Village Green Campaign.”
According to Kenney, the foundation must raise $58,728 to complete the campaign by Aug. 31.
All donors who contribute by or before Aug. 31 will be recognized on an outdoor sign to be installed on the Orono Village Green.
“Every new gift to the campaign will be doubled, up to $15,000, thanks to this match from The First,” Kenney said. “As we approach the August 31st finish line, this $30,000 boost puts the goal well within reach.”
The Orono Village Green will feature a 125-seat amphitheater and stage, an ADA accessible ramp, lawn and granite seating, hundreds of ornamental trees, flowers and plantings, a stone plaza with tables, chairs and sun shade, an overlook area, pergola and bench seating areas. There also will be pathways circling the grounds connecting to the Orono Senior Center and leading to the village.
Funds for the Orono Village Green campaign are being raised privately and will be gifted to the Town of Orono.
The library and grounds are property of the town, and all aspects of the construction project will be managed by town staff. To date 307 donors have contributed to the Orono Village Green campaign.
For information about The First, please call 800-564-3195 or visit thefirst.com. For information about the foundation or to contribute to the Orono Village Green campaign go to oronolibraryfoundation.org or find it on Facebook at Orono Public Library Foundation. Call the foundation at 991-3734, or reach it by mail at: P.O. Box 308, Orono ME 04473.