Niles center’s event deemed a success

By Jordan Cohen

The center’s director says they’re half way to their goal of raising $250,000

NILES — The director of the Niles Wellness Center said its recent fund-raising event was “a complete success.”

Scott MacMillan said about 140 business representatives, community leaders and political officeholders attended. The event was an invitation-only mixer.

MacMillan did not provide a specific amount that was pledged, but said the center is “halfway to our goal.” During the initial meeting of the board of directors earlier this year, MacMillan said he hoped the center could raise between $180,000 and $250,000 toward the $4 million cost of the facility.

“The response was just unbelievable,” MacMillan said.

“We’ve got several well-known large local corporations looking at buying field logos under contracts that would last 15 years,” he said. “They and some of the other companies will review our contracts and hopefully we’ll get some positive responses.”

The director said other businesses are considering sponsorships of the lobby, weight room and track.

MacMillan disclosed that Local 573 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has already bought field and basketball scoreboards for $15,000. The center is looking at other revenue sources such as sales of plaques throughout the center at $100 each.

The $4 million, 70,000-square-foot facility, which is near Waddell Park, has been under construction since early March. Completion is scheduled for Nov. 3.

“We’ve been advised that the contractors are actually ahead of schedule,” MacMillan said.

The board of directors announced during the event that MacMillan has accepted the full-time director position. In March, he was hired as temporary director. MacMillan said the board is reviewing whether he is a contract or city employee, and that his salary will be determined once the board decides his status.