COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Opening and operating costs for a community kitchen in Coldwater have been revealed as the kitchen to be known as “The Haven” will be unveiled tomorrow night at the Coach Eby Youth and Family Center.
The kitchen, which was constructed this spring, is a gift with the donation coming from the Lucille Dearth Trust. The Thursday evening tour of the facility followed by a dinner starts at 6:00 p.m.as the Eby Center will be hosting its annual Spring Banquet. Dozens of donated items will be featured this year during a silent auction, which will end right after the dinner.
Kathy Alger, President of the Eby Center Board of Directors, was the featured speaker at yesterday’s meeting of the Coldwater Noon Rotary Club and discussed the community kitchen and the money involved in “The Haven” project. She said they need $120,000 for the first year, adding they know that’s not too much and that somewhere the funds will come in to get the kitchen going.
The start-up costs are based on providing a dinner for a needy family twice a week, beginning initially at once a week. The plan for the kitchen also includes it being one of Branch County’s emergency shelters.
The mission statement of the Eby Center reads in part, “To bring hope, education, recreation, and inspiration to youth and families by creating a Christ-centered environment”.
Donations are also being accepted for on-going renovations to the gym at the facility with those costs, some of which have already been met, estimated to be close to $70,000.
