Sandwich Chamber Raises $60,000 for New Visitor’s Center

COURTESY OF THE SANDWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Sandwich Chamber of Commerce has raised $60,000 for a new Welcome Center.

SANDWICH – The Sandwich Chamber of Commerce has raised the $60,000 needed to fund a new visitor’s center for the town.

A 60-day campaign that served as a final effort to raise the money ended on Friday.

The Chamber had to raise $60,000 by July 31 or they would lose their lease on the property.

An account was created online on Gofundme and donation jars were spread throughout the town.

Chamber Executive Director Jay Pateakos said the community really pulled through when they needed them the most.

“We had a lot of people that came through for us,” said Pateakos. “A lot of businesses that donated, a lot of residents that donated. We had one resident that donated $47 for every year they’ve been in Sandwich.”

The proposed new center will include two office spaces, an expanded visitor’s center and a basement that could turn into a conference room.

Pateakos said that Sandwich is a special community.

“I think it speaks volumes that you had the business community that saw the value in having a year-round visitor’s center but you also have the residents. We had a ton of residents that gave money for this project,” said Pateakos.

Pateakos added that selectmen will now look over the financial documents and if they deem that the Chamber has met the criteria for financing the project, Chamber officials may go in front of the Board for additional questions.