Soccer Northwest, leading the fundraising effort for a new indoor turf facility in Thunder Bay, faces hurdles in securing the required $1 million. The organization's inability to pursue corporate sponsorships, interior advertising, or provincial/federal funding necessitates a community-driven campaign. City Council and administration pledge to support fundraising efforts by exploring corporate partnerships.
Raising $1 million for a new indoor turf facility in Thunder Bay may prove more challenging than initially anticipated. Michael Veneziale, president of Soccer Northwest , presented to city council on Monday night, highlighting the revenue limitations the organization faces due to not owning the building. Veneziale explained that they are prohibited from pursuing interior advertising rights, naming opportunities for fields or change rooms, or other typical revenue-generating strategies.
He further disclosed that Soccer Northwest would be ineligible for provincial or federal funding through programs like NOHFC or FedNOR. This effectively compels Veneziale's team, comprised of various user groups, to rely on a community-driven fundraising campaign.During the meeting, Councillor Rajni Agarwal inquired about the organization's plans for fundraising without corporate sponsorship. Veneziale emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city and Soccer Northwest in securing capital for the indoor turf facility. Acknowledging the limitations on corporate sponsorship, City Manager John Collin assured the council that administration would actively pursue naming rights contracts and marketing opportunities to raise capital from corporations. Soccer Northwest's community fundraising efforts would involve both physical and virtual donor walls to recognize key contributions. Agarwal pressed Veneziale for more detailed information on the fundraising strategies, but he declined, stating that this presentation served as an introduction and a comprehensive campaign plan would be released at a later date when it was ready. Veneziale reassured the council that they were exploring all available avenues. Councillor Dominic Pasqualino, while supportive of the initiative, inquired about the process for transferring the funds to the city and whether any conditions or stipulations would be attached. Veneziale clarified that the funds raised would directly contribute to reducing the capital cost of the building. The campaign, as previously reported by Newswatch, will commence only after city council grants final approval to the $42 million project. Council is anticipated to tender construction to one of three shortlisted companies sometime this spring. Once awarded, the participating user groups will operate under a unified name, and their 18 to 20-month campaign will align with the construction schedule. Veneziale stressed the organization's commitment to fundraising, emphasizing their track record of fulfilling promises made to the community, council, and administration
Indoor Turf Fundraising Thunder Bay Soccer Northwest Community Campaign City Council
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