College Announces Chester Center Capital Campaign
Springs Close Foundation offers a challenge gift of $1,000,000

May 4, 2006

CHESTER—The York Technical College Foundation’s Capital Campaign to raise funds toward the construction of the new Chester Center received a much welcomed boost earlier today.  During a morning press conference held at the Chester War Memorial Building, Bobby Holcombe, a representative of the Springs Close Foundation, offered a challenge gift to the York Technical College Foundation of $1,000,000 to build the new Chester Center.  The Foundation, with support from Springs Global and The Springs Company, offered the Challenge gift to help the Foundation and the Capital Campaign Committee raise $2.6 million of private money for the Center.

The gift is the largest ever received by the York Technical College Foundation since the Foundation was established more than 20 years ago.

"We are very grateful for the Springs Close Foundation’s continued support of the college and its mission.  The Foundation’s generous gift is a significant step in meeting the Campaign’s overall goal," said Dr. Dennis Merrell, president of York Technical College.  Merrell also thanked Chester County Council and others for their support.

The Chester Center will be a 31,000-square-foot facility that will house education, administration, and economic development functions. It will include industry classrooms, shop areas, facility offices, administrative offices, conference rooms, testing/assessment space, and a library.  The total cost of the facility will be $6.3 million. It will be funded by federal and state resources.

A 15 member Capital Campaign Committee made up of representatives from the York Technical College Foundation Board and Chester County community leaders will oversee the Capital Campaign.  Members of the Committee include:

Tucker Redford, Chairman
Tommy Davis
Ed Duffy
Bobby Holcombe
Bill Marion
Lucille Mackey
Joe McElwee
Angie McCrae
Dennis Merrell
Tony Pope
David Shinn
Brian Singleton
H. C. Starnes
Ladson Stringfellow
Bessie Vastis

For more information, contact Dr. Ed Duffy at (803) 327-8012.