Why Your Help Is Needed

In the last twenty years the Community House has seen significant changes in its financial well-being. Because the primary mission of the facility is to provide lost-cost meeting and office space to community clubs and organizations, the rental fees paid by those groups has been kept at a low rate. Since those fees do not cover the operating costs of the building we have been looking to individual users (weddings, birthday parties, etc.) to help make up the yearly budget shortfall.

With an old building, like an old house, maintenance costs are significant. New laws are enacted and as a result we removed buried oil tanks, abated asbestos, provided disabled access to the main floor, added mandated safety and health systems to the swimming pool, etc. As we are able, we replace inefficient electrical and mechanical systems. The building sits on 2.2 acres and is a little over 25,000 square feet, so there are always needs that have to be addressed.

From a high of 1.1 million dollars fifteen years ago, we have seen our endowment slide to less than $350,000 in 2011. The decline in value is the result of close to a half million dollars in capital expenditures, the downturn in the stock market, and the use of funds to supplement operational loses.

To increase operational revenue, we recently underwent the most significant and dramatic physical alteration in our 85+ year history. The then existing gymnasium was converted into a Ballroom.

The Ballroom comfortably seats up to 200 guests for sit-down functions such as fund-raisers, weddings, banquets, reunions, club and organizational meetings, recitals and other community events. The Ballroom enables us to serve the community in a new and more meaningful manner, and it has exceeded our revenue expectations.

The renovation costs were funded by securing a mortgage – the first in the facilities history. The repayment of that $850,000 loan will enable us to have a balanced budget and a surplus that can be earmarked for capital improvements and to help grow the endowment.

Our capital needs include repaving our parking lots, renovating the main floor lobby and ladies and men' room, replacing aged HVAC systems throughout the building, replacing roofs, repointing bricks and renovating the back patio.

In 1924 the citizens of Moorestown raised $115,000 ($1,450,000 in 2011 dollars) to help fund the creation of the Community House. Now 88 years later we are hoping that current Moorestown residents will follow their lead and help assure that this unique and special place will be here to serve generations yet to come.

You can contribute to our Capital Campaign online by clicking the donate button below. Our site is secure and your support is deeply appreciated. If you would like more information, please call (856) 235-0326, Ext. 100 or e-mail www.capitalcampaign@thecommunityhouse.com