The ribbon was cut for Advancing Barton County Childcare’s new Great Bend daycare facility Bright Beginnings at 4507 Farmers Plaza Lane on Thursday, May 2. Wednesday afternoon, May 8, Fuller Industries donated cleaning supplies to keep the center sparkling as it welcomes its first students when it opens June 3.
“This is an important new asset for our community,” said Joe Mann, Fuller vice president and general manager. “The center will provide a crucial service to families and their children. This is particularly critical as we try to grow our communities by bringing new residents here in hopes of bolstering our workforce.”
To this end, he said Fuller is proud to be a partner on this project as the company strives to continue its history of civic engagement.
“We recognize the value of giving back,” Mann said. “Great Bend has supported Fuller for decades and we deeply appreciate that.”
Included in the donation were glass, bathroom, carpet and window cleaners; hand sanitizer and soap; and soap dispensers.
“We have a beautiful new daycare center, and these supplies will help us ensure it stays that way,” said Bright Beginnings Site Director Kelsie Baxter. “When we welcome children through our doors it is nice to know we can make this building as inviting as possible.”
“We are grateful for this contribution, and it just demonstrates the level of need and community support this endeavor has,” said Sara Arnberger, president of ABCC’s parent organization Great Bend Economic Development Inc. She and her organization spearheaded the project and raised the over $2 million to make it happen.
“Economic development is like a tapestry, made up of many essential parts,” said Arnberger, “Workforce, housing, health care, child care, and more all contribute to a thriving community. Bright Beginnings plays a vital role in supporting companies like Fuller by helping them attract and retain the employees they need to succeed.”
Bright Beginnings has been taking enrollment and will accommodate 59 children to start, with a full capacity of 84. Ground was broken for the center last July.
ABCC will break ground soon on a facility in Hoisington. There are also plans for more centers to be built throughout Barton County.
For information on Fuller Industries, call 620-792-1711.
For information on the center or ABCC, visit www.gbedinc.com, or call 620-796-2392. Contact Arnberger at director@gbedinc.com.
