The directors of the Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation delivered a $317,000 check Wednesday toward construction of the new Camp Aldrich Dining Hall.
Debbie and Duane Reif, co-directors of Kans for Kids, presented the check to Barton Community College Dean of Administration Mark Dean.
The college owns the Camp Aldrich conference center, located near Cheyenne Bottoms in Barton County. Kans for Kids operates Camp Hope, an annual camp for children who have cancer or have had cancer.
The money was raised via tax-credit sales shortly after the original dining hall burned down in April of 2014. While the building was insured, the gift has been used to increase the size of the dining hall and provide additional features, including an elevator and a room for medical staff, primarily to benefit Camp Hope.
“This is for the kids,” Debbie Reif said. “This is their home. We also hope the improvements will draw other camps. This is such an impressive place and it’s a great resource for the college and the community.”
College officials have reported on construction progress. As of May 1, the foundation of the new dining hall had been poured and basement walls were being finished. The scheduled completion date is December, with an opening date of April, 2016.
Photos can be found online at https://www.flickr.com/photos/bartoncc_pr/sets/72157651765443617.