Bethany Christian Schools is excited to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for the new athletic complex, to take place on May 15, 2021. This event marks the successful completion of the Great Strides Capital Campaign, a multi-year project that stands to serve the Bethany community for years to come.
“Although this project had its share of delays and challenges, we are thrilled that it’s been so successful, and that we are ready to start digging,” said Head of School Tim Lehman.
Bethany’s Great Strides capital campaign was a $2.25 million project to build a track and upgrade the accessibility and safety of Bethany’s athletic complex.
The campaign was launched publicly in the fall of 2019. In April of 2020, Bethany received a $390,000 challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County once donors had generously matched the amount. The grant allowed Bethany’s project plans to accommodate an expansion of the Winona Trail, a City of Goshen bicycle and pedestrian path.
“By partnering with Bethany Christian Schools, with the support of the Community Foundation, on this project we are saving the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in finding an alternate route and creating a new crossing,” said Mayor of Goshen Jeremy Stutsman at the start of the collaboration. “This is truly a ‘Good of Goshen’ project.”
The month of September 2020 featured a match challenge from Bethany graduate Myrl Nofziger. Campaign gifts recently are going towards project enhancements, including landscaping and equipment for the new sports activities that will now be possible for Bethany students.
Shared experiences such as athletics support mental and physical health, help students of all ages build relationships and increase academic achievement, so improved facilities will benefit Bethany students for years to come.
“Our mission at Bethany is to prepare students to participate in God’s work in the world, and we love the way this project has allowed us to work with our neighbors and partners-- the City of Goshen and Winchester Trails-- to improve the health and safety of future students and visitors to our campus,” said Tim Lehman.
Learn more at bethanycs.net.