The Waverly Community House is halfway to its goal of raising $5 million to support the nonprofit over the next 100 years, Executive Director Maria Wilson said.
The capital campaign began in July as part of a 100th anniversary celebration of the building’s groundbreaking.
“We’ve had strong support from families who have been involved with the Comm for generations,” Wilson said.
Their plan is to reach out to the community through mailings and seek more large donations from businesses and charitable foundations over the next year to fill the gap.
The Comm, 1115 N. Abington Road, has been a staple in the community for many people, Wilson said.
Some of the activities offered include adult fitness classes, art classes, lectures and music, and after-school programs for kids.
“It’s a local, affordable, beautiful resource for families, many who use it on a daily basis,” she added.
The money will be put in an endowment fund to support the future needs of the 100-year-old building and fund new programs to meet the modern needs of the community, Wilson added.
Margaretta E. Belin created the Comm as a memorial to her husband, Henry Belin Jr. , in 1917. The cornerstone was laid in 1919 and the building was deeded to the municipality, then called Abington Twp., in 1920 for the benefit and use of residents.
Emily Karam, 38, of Waverly, has fond memories of the place as a young child and teen, and passed on the traditions to her four boys, who have participated in the preschool and after-school programs.
“The Comm is a landmark in the community,” she said. “ I served as a Comm Camp counselor when I was 17 and I’m still friends with the other counselors.”
Karam views the venue as an important space for gathering and making memories.
“Events like the Santa Breakfast allow people to create connections that are vital to the lifeblood of the community,” she said.
Her family and their business, Karam Orthodontics, make annual donations to support the organization.
“For all the Comm gives to us, it’s an easy gift every year,” Karam said. “I can’t put a value on it.”
Donations may be mailed to Waverly Community House, P. O. Box 142, Waverly, PA 18471, or made on waverlycomm.org.
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rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;
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