Even before a 2007 fire that badly damaged the majority of the building, the basement in the Harrison Community Club was unusable.
"Prior to the fire it was more of a mechanical space," said Jill Perfetti, president of the club. "Since we had substantial restoration after the fire, we continue to have issues with water around the perimeter of the building."
Now, thanks to a fund that only a few months ago was struggling to find grant applicants, the club will receive $500 to install rain gutters that will keep the basement dry and allow the club to hold activities in the space. The grant was one of $3,000 in gifts given by the Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund, which gives money for projects sponsored by the city of Duluth.
As of September, no one had applied for funding from the Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund, which assists parks, arts and other services. But a number of groups eventually did step forward. And along with the Harrison gift, the fund on Monday announced the following awards:
- $1,000 to support the Duluth Public Library's "Book Time with Your Baby" program.
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- $1,000 to spruce up Lincoln Park with a basketball court and picnic areas.
- $500 for ski patrols at Chester Bowl.
The fund's 11 board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. Organizers have set a goal of raising $250,000 for future grants. Funds are maintained by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.
