The Cranberry Township Community Chest has passed the $100,000 mark for cash and in-kind donations for construction of the Scouting Centennial Plaza at Graham Park.

The plaza is the organization's 2011 Community Project of the Year.  

According to a statement from CTCC, a recent donation from Neva McClymonds in memory of her husband, John McClymonds —who died last year — helped the organization reach the $100,000 milestone.

"Our family feels it will be a lasting memory," said Neva McClymonds, who moved to Cranberry with her husband in 1974. "We have seen a lot of positive changes to Cranberry and it is fitting that this memorial will be in Graham Park where many of John's grandchildren will play."  

Cranberry Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Bruce Mazzoni, who is co-chair of the Scouting Plaza committee, said John McClymonds, who owned Cranberry Supply Co., was widely known as a "go-to guy" whenever a nonprofit or civic group needed something.

The project also received a donation — along with a personal note of encouragement — from Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is himself an Eagle Scout. The gift was made one week after Perry suspended his presidential campaign in January, the CTCC statement said.

"Proud to add my name and support to the 100th anniversary of Scouting Plaza effort," Perry said in his letter to CTCC. "Look forward to seeing its completion and continuing to tell the great story of Scouting.  

"Here's to another 100 years!!"  

Mazzoni added that one of the group’s fund-raising methods was to write to a list of famous former Scouts.

"We had help from local churches, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other volunteers who sent handwritten notes to past scouters, encouraging them to support the project,” Mazzoni said. “Altogether, we sent about 300 letters, and Governor Perry's was the first check we received.  

"While we were not expecting a great deal of money, it is exciting when we do get an acknowledgement like this."

Mazzoni said the McClymond donation was at the “flagpole” level, which indicates a $10,000 donation. Flagpole donors also receive a 16-inch x 16-inch bronze marker mounted right below the flagpole near the three-sided monument.

Perry gave at the “paver” level, Mazzoni said. Depending on the amount of inscription on the pavers— which will be positioned around the monument — the donation level for pavers is between $125 to $1,000. For a list of the different levels of donations, click here.  

Major donors to date include the Glenn R. Logan and Rhea Jean McCandless Logan Family Trust, Butler Tourism, PNC Financial, the family of Thomas Coyle, First Energy, Cranberry Lions Club, William P. Deemer, C.W. Howard Insurance Agency Inc., Robert and Kimberly Geyer, Fun Fore All, Patricia and David Kovach, Sherwood Oaks, Zelienople Lions, Butler Rotary, Roy and Linda Huffman, Dale and Millie Pinkerton, and Ray D. Steffler.

In-kind service and support also has come from Graham & Sons Construction, HRG, Woodmen of the World Life Insurance and Rome Monument.

"Altogether, we have close to 100 donations,” Mazzoni said. "Considering that we have only been officially raising funds for three months, I am pleased with the progress, but we still need about another $40,000 to complete the project."

The fishing lake adjacent to the plaza was completed in October. The Scouting Plaza is expected to be completed by late this summer.  

Donations of any amount are welcome. Gift recognition is available for donations from $25 to $50,000. To contribute, donors may complete a form found on the Community Chest web site at www.CTCChest.org.

Information and rendering submitted by CTCC. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to Editor Jessica Sinichak at jessica.sinichak@patch.com or visit our Neighborhood Gallery.