Walnut Community Center Foundation, Inc.

Our Goal: The WCCF exists to provide and sustain a community center (the WCC) for all citizens in the town of Walnut and the surrounding area. Objectives include:

• Promote the health and well-being of area residents.

• Provide a venue for family, community, civic and business events.

• Continuously improve the sense of “Community” in our town and area.

• Reduce the facility’s financial burden on area taxpayers.

For the period July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, we are pleased to report that we had just over 300 bookings at the Walnut Community Center, with a conservative estimate of 6,000 people served. Bookings included meetings, dances, family reunions, wedding receptions, team practices, funerals, class reunions, auctions, craft fairs, our volleyball league, and fundraising events.

Of course, one of the biggest bookings for the year was the 2022 Walnut Antique Show, which was also operated by the WCCF. Our facility housed 40 antique dealers and thousands of people who visited during Father’s Day weekend.

We had at times up to 100 fitness memberships, although that number fluctuated based upon the season. Our fitness center went through many improvements during the year, and there is much more to do.

All-in-all, it was a busy place, especially as compared to where we started, and then being closed down through the pandemic. During the fiscal year, a total of $65,200 in rental income (paid to the city) was credited to our account, and the WCCF made donations totaling $5,800 to the city. This growth in income was great to see, but our committee and volunteer force are dedicated to growing the WCC even more, for the benefit of all area citizens and taxpayers.

A conservative estimate of volunteer time by our committee and volunteer force would approach 3,500 hours for the year. We are also thankful for the many hours logged by our partners - the city staff and the mayor.

Our Foundation was very fortunate to have received several large and small donations and grants during the year. There were 28 donations or grants, totaling $36,454. We are amazed by the generosity of our community, which allows us funding to continue our goal of converting the facility from a school to a competitive event center. The most recent gift was from Dr. Barbara Davis Licklider, a WHS alum and retired full professor at Iowa State, who made a very generous donation to create the Davis Family Atrium. With this gift, we have completely remade the old gym lobby, floor to ceiling, and plan further enhancements to that space.

Since our humble beginnings in August 2018, the WCCF has received $108,924 in grants and donations! In addition, our committee has held 86 fundraising events, which average a net of $600 to the coffers each event. 100% of all WCCF funds have been or will be used for maintenance and facility improvement, new programs, new equipment, and physical plant support.

We invite you to stop by and check out the WCC if you haven’t already, and we look forward to another successful year in 22-23. And of course, we’re always looking for more volunteers. The pay isn’t so great, but the benefits are amazing!

The WCCF: Amanda, Gaylean, Donnie, Briar, Jared, Christie, Claudia, Trace, Gwen, Rick

Questions? Email to walnutcommunitycenter@gmail.com