Marion County Library Fund Raisers Meet Challenge
April 2000

YELLVILLE, Ark. - Marion County Library has nearly completed a 1,200 square foot addition and other building improvements, financed with donations from area individuals and businesses and two charitable foundations. Names of donors of at least $250 are engraved on bricks that will be placed permanently in an exterior stucco wall, according to Karen Campbell, library board chairwoman.

Kay Clark, chairwoman of the library building fund committee, said contributions from 47 donors totaled $30,217.39, an amount which exceeded the requirements of a $25,000 challenge grant from South Shore Foundation in Flippin.

The Marion County Library received an initial grant of $10,000 from the Madelyne M. and Edward C. McCarty Foundation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The late Mr. McCarty was originally from Marion County, and the foundation that bears his name supports needs in Marion County. The foundation also supports projects in Mrs. McCarty's home area of Union County.

Then, in response to a grant application, trustees of the South Shore Foundation, the charitable foundation of Northern Arkansas Telephone Company, promised to match any amount of donations up to $25,000, and did so in February. The McCarty Foundation again provided funds toward the challenge. The second donation for $7,748.89 was earmarked for roof repair which was an unexpected expense in the building plans.

The building project includes the 1,200 square-foot expansion, roof repair, a new cooling unit, and modifications to provide handicap access. Total cost of the improvements was $145,000, with $80,000 allocated from county library tax revenues.

South Shore Foundation awards grants to nonprofit agencies to further the goals of educational advancement, environmental preservation, community betterment and economic development. NATCO President Steven G. Sanders also chairs the board of trustees of the foundation. For more information or to receive a grant application, call 870-453-3333.