Cass County Community Foundation announces match opportunity for Southside Gateway Project

The Cass County Community Foundation is pleased to announce
a new $1 for $1 match opportunity to support a grassroots beautification effort by residents and businesses to enhance the Southside entrance to the city.

The grassroots group began meeting several months ago to explore the opportunities for revitalization along the soon to be completed Hoosier Heartland and the Southside gateway entrance to Logansport. After several meetings and commitments of assistance from Community Corrections and LMU, the group was in need of funding to get started on the first steps.

The first phase of the design plans includes hanging baskets, flower pots and banners to be completed this spring with the estimated cost of the project to be $10,000.  The Cass County Community Foundation has established a Southside Gateway Pass-Through Fund to accept donations and also is providing a $1 for $1 match up to a total of $5000 in matching funds to assist the citizen group with the project.

CCCF President Deanna Crispen said, “Our board of directors recognizes that we are in time of great opportunity and change with the construction of the Hoosier Heartland. We are very excited to be a part of this important project and entrance to Logansport and applaud these caring businesses, residents and friends for their efforts to improve the area for all of us.”

Pam Leeman, one of the project organizers, said, “The formation of the “Southside Gateway” group of residents, merchants and business owners has tapped into the pride and enthusiasm existing on the city’s Southside.  The beautification projects being planned along the new entryway to our city and the long awaited Hoosier Heartland corridor will benefit all of Logansport. We are all very excited that the Cass County Community Foundation has generously provided funds to give us a great kick off to the Southside Gateway beautification project.”
Leeman added that anyone in the community who is interested in beautifying the area and improving the quality of life and the appearance of our community is welcome to join the group.

County Councilman Grover Bishop, a long-time south side resident, was delighted to learn of the matching funds opportunity.  "This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our city to travelers, and should present a front-door look we can all be proud of, one that matches the downtown improvements. Long-term, it can only help our efforts to attract business and jobs.  Everyone in Logansport needs to get on board with this."

Gifts to the project may be made by mailing a donation to CCCF/Southside Gateway, P.O. Box 441, Logansport, IN 46947 or by credit card through the CCCF website, www.casscountycf.org  and designating to the Southside Gateway Fund. All gifts to the fund through CCCF are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

 The Foundation Office is located at 417 North Street and is open M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, contact the foundation at 574-722-2200.