June 16, 2005

I think I can, I think I can…

Almaden Business Association sets big fundraising goals for library project

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

For a group still somewhat in its infancy, the Almaden Business Association (ABA) has settled effortlessly into the character of the little engine that could—one that has delighted children for ages.

Still under construction, the Almaden Library and Community Center is scheduled to open in February 2006. Photos by Kymberli W. Brady

It’s that same determination that has them nearly half way toward a goal that will ensure continued merriment for years to come.

Taking a cue from their mission statement, which reads, “To support community service projects within our neighborhood,” ABA board members have fashioned an aggressive campaign that looks to raise $15,000 over the next several months—just enough, according to real estate broker and ABA Community Service Committee member Rich Crowley to sponsor the Children’s Storytime Area when the new Almaden Branch Library opens next February.

“It is the perfect way to kick off our first major community service project,” says Crowley. “This is a one-time opportunity to focus the community on our organization and allows us to be recognized in perpetuity by the placing of a plaque in the children’s area.”

The first leg of the “politically correct” campaign will be devoted to gathering contributions and securing individual pledges of $100 to $1,000 and up. The tiered plan was structured to allow for added diversity in contribution capabilities and motives, including those who are looking to support the children’s area at the $100-$999 level, as well as prominent individuals who are looking for more permanent recognition. The fund-raising will culminate with a $100 buy in a Texas Hold’em poker finale in October.

The recognition plan is the brainchild of the San Jose Library Foundation (SJLF), which publicly recognizes individuals and companies for impressive financial contributions, while utilizing the added funding to augment their budget and enhance programming opportunities.

At the helm of the project is Eleanor Dickman, one of only two members who comprise SJLF, which uses creative and entertaining ways to generate an estimated $500,000 each year to keep 17 libraries functioning smoothly.

“We rely very heavily on what I call community champions,” explains Dickman, “These people know their community. They are the people with influence and they understand the value the library will bring to their community.”

“When Rich first approached me about the new library project, my initial reaction was that this is exactly what we envisioned for the types of community support projects that will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community.  It is certainly the most ambitious program we’ve considered, but it’s the kind of service project that can efficiently be supported by a group like the ABA and that will add dimension to the value we all realize as members.”

Ventura Barnett real estate broker Rich Crowley also serves on the Almaden Business Association Community Service Committee.

However, initial reaction among other committee members was mixed.

“Most of us on ABA’s board initially wondered whether the committee was taking on more than a relatively small organization like the ABA might be ready to tackle for its first major community service project,” admits human resources consultant Carole Edman. “Not only for the targeted amount, but also because the Texas Hold’em event will take a substantial effort to succeed in the way we expect it should.” 

“I think it’s an absolutely perfect community project for us,” explains former ABA president Keller. “It fits extremely well for what we envisioned when we created the mission statement, and will benefit the Almaden area for many years to come.”

Crowley continues to remain optimistic, and he should. After only one week pitching the idea to individuals and other real estate companies, he had nearly half of the target amount in the bag and that was before he even pitched it to the board. The question some are posing now is how much over might they go?

“My presentations are verbal,” Crowley says. “But the interest and commitments are real.”

“Rich just jumped on it and took the initiative,” Dickman ads “He even challenged me to tailor my presentation materials. Before he had even brought it up at the meeting last month he asked several of his associates for leadership donations. It is exactly the way I dreamed this concept would take shape. The enthusiasm, the creativity, and the energy of this group is absolutely amazing. They’re so excited about it and that’s the best way to raise funds to be so passionate that your love for the project persuades people to join in. and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to do.”

There’s no doubt that our fund-raising objective is attainable,” Keller adds. “Everything we raise will go to the library. So even more exciting is the high probability that we will far exceed our goal.  We hope that by reaching out to the community in addition to tapping resources within the Association, we’ll be able to develop a closer relationship with our neighborhoods that will enhance the value of our organization.

If you ask Dickman how this story of the little engine that could might end, she’d be the first to say that the vision, determination and passion that fuels it has it running in an entirely different class.

“Now it’s the bullet train,” she says.