Willie Ross School Crowdfunding Campaign for New Playground Nears 50% of Goal

LONGMEADOW — Earlier this year, Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) launched a crowdfunding campaign that has reached 42% of its goal of $75,000 to build a new playground at the school on its main campus.

Thus far, the campaign has achieved $31,544 in donations from 92 donors. Contributions have come from faculty and staff, board members, students, parents of students, alumni, and members of the larger community.

The crowdfunding campaign is scheduled to conclude on Oct. 1, and school leaders are appealing to the public, individuals, and local businesses to consider making a contribution.

The crowdfunding campaign is accessible on GiveCampus. Those interested in contributing to the Willie Ross Playground Fund can do so online at www.givecampus.com/v5xjfu.

The playground campaign was initiated as a result of a larger capital project that is renovating and expanding the outdated Sidney Cooley administration building that is near completion and features new space for interpreters, an updated audiology center, a redesigned main entrance, improved wheelchair access, new space for the school’s Creating Access to Real World Employment for Students program, and upgraded administrative technology. Proceeds from the crowdfunding campaign will also include new landscaping to support the new playground.

According to WRSD President and CEO Bert Carter, “the old playground on our campus had to be removed as a result of our capital-improvement construction project. We need the support of our community to help us purchase a new, safer playground that provides more space for our students. We appreciate the donors who have helped us reach close to 50% of our goal and are hopeful others in the community will support and help us achieve our goal and the construction of a new playground to serve our students.”

Donations for the new playground can also be mailed to Willie Ross School for the Deaf, 32 Norway St., Longmeadow, MA 01106.