VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION RECEIVES WALMART COMMUNITY GRANT
Funding Contributes to Quality of Life Improvements for Community.
ROCKDALE, TX, JANUARY 26, 2022 – Walmart Store #280 has been an integral part of the community of Rockdale for many years. In addition to being a major employer in the area, Walmart Store #280 is also a primary contributor of sales tax revenue supporting the City of Rockdale’s municipal budget. But Walmart’s contribution as a member of the community extends beyond paying taxes required of all businesses. Through their Community Grants Program, Walmart is committed to supporting their home communities across the country. While organizations which meet specified criteria apply for grants via an online portal, Walmart allows local store management to decide which grants to award and approve grant amounts based on funds allotted to their specific store.
Near the end of 2021, Vision Historic Preservation Foundation applied for and was awarded a $3,800 Walmart Community Grant. “The Foundation applied for a Community Grant under their Quality of Life category,” explained Grants Manager, Toni Mason. “Between the arts enrichment programs we plan to bring to the community and the downtown revitalization our project is spearheading, the Foundation will greatly contribute to an improved quality of life for all in the community.”
During the application process, the Foundation invited Rockdale’s Walmart Store #280 Manager, Melissa Dovalina, to tour The 1895. “It was fascinating to hear about the history of the old city hall building and the opera house that once existed upstairs,” said Dovalina. “I could see how the restoration of this building will dramatically improve the face of downtown and create a center of art & culture for our community – Walmart wants to support and be a part of that effort.”
The funds Vision Historic Preservation Foundation received from the Walmart Community Grant have been placed in reserves in the Foundation’s capital accumulation account to serve as matching funds for other grants. “Most every grant has a matching requirement – some are $1-to-$1 or a specific percentage,” explained Campaign Manager, Curah Beard. “Grants like these, as well as donations from businesses and individuals, are helping us to build the capital that will be required of us as we pursue larger grants and prepare for the first Phase of our restoration project which we are targeting to begin in late-2022.”
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To learn more or contribute to Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s fundraising campaign visit www.VisionRockdale.org.
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The Mission of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is to enrich the arts & cultivate economic development by restoring the historic 1895 City Hall for the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Rockdale.
Our Vision is to act as a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Rockdale by:
* Preserving the historical significance of The 1895.
* Creating new purpose and attracting businesses to the Development.
* Inspiring a culture of art, commerce and tourism for residents and visitors.
* Enhancing the success of all area businesses and enriching the lives of our citizens.
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For more information about Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s 1895 City Hall project or schedule a tour, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org
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About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) helps people around the work save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 275 million customers and members visit our more than 11,300 stores under 58 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
