Almost $175,000 Raised for New Hampton’s Kindness Square in 2023

The recent “Vision 2 Reality Benefit” to raise funds for “Kindness Square,” New Hampton’s Inclusive Playground, was a big success. It also added to the windfall of donations received for the project in 2023 alone.

New Hampton Park-Rec Director Tara Hackman says the fundraising benefit February 25th at the Waucoma Event Center brought in $130,000. It also brought the total amount of donations received since January 1st to almost $175,000.

Additional contributions to the project include over $17,000 from the Lawler Lions Club “Cowboy Poetry” weekend in January; $6,000 from Homeland Energy Solutions; and $5,000 each from Milkhouse Creamery and Precision of New Hampton.

Fidelity Bank and Trust donated over $3,100, Kahn Tile Supply and KTS Custom Fabrication a combined $3,000 and Dental Associates $2,500. You can see other monetary contributions on the Kindness Square Inclusive Playground Facebook page.

Hackman says with donations to date, they have surpassed their goal of $350,000 to complete “Phase 1” of the project including the playground, concrete work, installation, and fencing. The extra will go towards “Phase 2,” which includes a sidewalk leading to a new restroom/pavilion that is all handicap accessible.