Progress association launches online fundraising effort

Pearl Beach Progress Association has launched two online campaigns to raise $24,000 for a major refurbishment of the community hall.

Association president Mr Peter Romey said Central Coast Council had granted $66,000, but another $24,000 was necessary to complete the work.

Planned improvements included alterations to the rear deck, roofing the deck, adding an extension to the eastern end of the toilets for storage, and general repairs and maintenance work to the 70-year-old hall.

Mr Romey said: "Covid-19 has affected traditional fundraising methods which means we need to use more online-electronic methods at this time."

He said donations of services and items would be sought for an online auction.

Pledges and promises will be collated for auction from July 1.

Already they include art lessons, paintings and sculptures.

Afternoon teas, fish and chips and an Irish whiskey pudding cake are available.

Services include an architectural consultation, garden weeding and computer tuition.

The auction will be open until July 21.

Supporters would also have the opportunity make donations through a Go Fund Me page.

Mr Romey said Pearl Beach Progress Association was formed in 1929 and purchased land in Diamond Rd in 1943 to build a community hall which was planned as a war memorial.

"World War II called a halt to all non-essential building work because of the shortage of materials, but after the war, fund raising picked up with raffles, dances, street stalls and sports carnivals," he said.

"During 1949, local builders were employed on the foundations and framework, and working bees under their supervision did the rest.

"The building was opened officially on 16 September 1950.

"The hall has been repaired, extended, and refurbished several times over the years and remains the centrepiece of the community.

"It is owned and maintained by the Progress Association and used almost every weekday by various local groups and is available to hire for private functions."

Further information about the fundraising can be found at the Pearl Beach Progress Association website, www.pearlbeachprogress.org.au/hall-upgrade-fundraising.

SOURCE:

Media release, 18 June 2020

Mr Peter Romey, Pearl Beach Progress Association