Eldridge Reeves Johnson donated $250,000 to build a Moorestown community center in 1923. That center, the Moorestown Community House, has been sitting on Main Street for more than 80 years, providing a community atmosphere through local donations.
Recently, the Community House reached the 25 percent mark for its $2 million Capital Campaign, which was created to fund improvements and operating expenses.
According to the Community House’s website, 20 percent of the funds will go toward investments and sustainability, 20 percent toward ongoing operations and community outreach, and 60 percent toward capital improvements.
Campaign president George Schulmann said the most recent capital improvement project that was completed was the flooring in the central foyer. But there are more projects on the list, starting with the parking lot.
Future projects include improvements to the HVAC, restrooms, repointing bricks and more.
Schulmann said the funds received through the Capital Campaign are spread out over the course of a few years.
But the money to fund all projects and operating costs comes from community donations similar to Johnson’s that started it all. He said most Moorestown residents don’t realize the Community House does not operate using tax dollars.
Local businesses and individuals can contribute to the campaign from cash donations as well as donations with recognition. Although the campaign is open to any donation amount, campaign chair Kevin Kutcher said the campaign is seeking larger donations that could easily be spread out over three- to five-year periods.
Funds must be raised to keep the Community House running, but Schulmann said the Community House’s existence is “more than dollars and cents.”
For the past 87 years, the Community House has been a “home away from home” for civic organizations and residents in Moorestown, Schulmann said. Currently, the Community House is home to 82 nonprofit organizations and serves as a memory hub for Moorestonians who grew up visiting the Community House.
“I learned to swim here,” Schulmann said, adding he would go to the Community House during his younger years for dances and other activities. Now he is there every week for the Rotary Club meeting.
“So many people have grown up with the Community House,” he said.
The Community House was home to the YMCA and the library for approximately 50 years. According to Schulmann, there are nonprofit organizations currently using office space in the Community House and various organizations hold meetings in the building.
The Community House has a 60-foot-long heated pool for swimming and scuba lessons as well as family recreational swimming. The Community House also hosts weddings, banquets, bridal and baby showers, meetings, workshops, seminars and more.
“It’s been a real big part of the community. It’s tough for us to convey all it has done,” Schulmann said.
To find out more information or to make a donation to the Community House’s Capital Campaign visit www.thecommunityhouse.com.
