The Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc. (CGCAI) kicked off its Save Our Community House fundraising campaign with an afternoon party, including a presentation, hors d’oeuvres and open beer, wine and soda bar, on June 4 at the Community House. CGCAI President Diane Romano, who chairs the Save Our Community House committee, which is working on this restoration and expansion program, announced that $90,000 had been raised earlier, with $15,000 coming from last season’s benefits and committee members having pledged an additional $75,000. An additional $40,536 was raised at the kick-off party, for a total of $130,491 collected toward the effort, but much more is still needed. “No one is going to help us,” Diane said, “unless this community cares about this house.” She also introduced Kevin Paul, the architect, who has made preliminary sketches for the project.

Among the current problems that demand attention are that the Community House septic system must be replaced; the roof leaks; the deck, stairs and parapets are deteriorating; the plumbing is separating from the wall; the alarm system is flawed; little surface wood remains on the auditorium floor; locust posts have rotted and are hollow; the balcony lacks sufficient support; and the sound and light booth is antiquated and less than reliable.

Among the proposed plans are to include the enclosed pavilion space in a new and expanded interior; create a removable wall between the pavilion and the auditorium; modernize the restrooms and sound and light booth; address the storage space and rehearsal space situations; install new alarms, sprinklers, emergency lights, and smoke and carbon dioxide detectors; replace the floor in the auditorium; and include an interior staircase to the second floor.

“Just make your gift and be part of living gay history,” Diane has written.