The Blessing Capital Campaign
Thank you for your interest in learning more about The Blessing Capital Campaign – a multi-million dollar plan to renovate and expand the cafeteria, as well as build capacity to address future capital needs. This is one of the most ambitious campaigns in Parkview’s history.
The Blessing Capital Campaign
For the past few years, Parkview leaders have been laying the foundation for our next period of growth and development for the future of our school and campus.
The result of their efforts is The Blessing Capital Campaign, a $7 million plus fundraising initiative.
It has been 18 years since our current elementary building (Building G) was completed. During this time, other area schools have been steadfast in building expansions and renovations. For Parkview to remain competitive in and out of the classroom, it is paramount we make a significant investment in our campus now.
The Blessing Capital Campaign is a multi-phased comprehensive renovation and expansion plan for Parkview. The first phase of the campaign is the cafeteria renovation and expansion project with a cost of approximately $3.9 million. The plan was designed by Kent Design Build in consultation with architects from Tipton and Associates.
This first phase includes the following: an expansion of the cafeteria into the parking area alongside the White House administrative building; an expansion and reconfiguration of the kitchen and storage areas; new flooring, new kitchen equipment, additional dining tables and chairs; increased serving line space; increased student access to microwaves; new bathrooms; enhanced technology and security; and the addition of a café area.
Previously lunch started at 10:00 am with approximately 75 children being served every 10 to 15 minutes which equates to 10 twenty-minute lunch periods to serve 1,100 students and 140 faculty daily. Additionally, the church serves more than 400 meals monthly.
This expansion and renovation project has reduced the number of lunch periods to four per division, starting an hour later at 11:00 am which will allow for greater academic scheduling flexibility.
On Sunday, August 23, 2020, our brand new, state-of-the-art cafeteria was blessed by members of The Blessing capital campaign leadership committee led by PBC Pastor Chris DeGeorge. Prayers were shared for our Church and School leadership, our campaign leadership and donors, our hardworking cafeteria staff, and all who will be blessed by this new fellowship space.
With a brief opening delay due to Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura, the day we were waiting for arrived on Wednesday, August 26, 2020! It was a Blessing to see the excitement unfold as our students, faculty and staff gathered in our new, modern, state-of-the-art cafeteria space.
Thank you to all of the generous donors who made this transformation possible. Because of your support, we are able to Bless this generation and the many to come.
The next phase of the campaign will be focused on raising additional funds to continue the renovations beyond the cafeteria throughout the middle school gym and adjacent space. Parkview has also recently received another unexpected blessing that we will need additional philanthropic resources to renovate.
In April of 2020, Parkview received a $2M gift to purchase the former Laser Tag building located at 5781 South Sherwood Forest Boulevard in Baton Rouge. This 21,000 sq ft building is large enough to house a dedicated black box theater and offer the Parkview family many other opportunities for use as well. There is room to expand the Parkview Flex program with additional classroom space. Finally, there is a full-size industrial kitchen that will open up additional multi-use options for special events and meetings for the ENTIRE Parkview community.
We are in the preliminary stages of reviewing all that would be possible in this building, but once Pastor Dr. Chris DeGeorge along with church and school leadership review all the options, we will share more in the months to come. This vision cannot become a reality without support.
The overall financial goal of The Blessing Capital Campaign is $7M. Since the cafeteria is a shared space between the church and the school, funding for the project will be shared as well. Parkview Baptist Church provided $1.2M to this initial phase. The leadership of the church trustees and school board have also given more than $550K in personal donations. In June 2020, the Parkview Baptist Church Foundation voted to donate $100K to the cafeteria project. This commitment demonstrates their unwavering dedication and support to the success of the school ministry.
Parkview was blessed with a lead $1M gift made by the Favre Family to launch the campaign along with a second $2M gift to purchase the Laser Tag building. The school will seek the remaining resources from alumni, current/alumni parents and grandparents, church members, faculty and staff along with other community members.
With a rich tradition on which to stand along with the school and church leadership in harmony, the time is right for the Parkview community to begin shaping the future of the school. It’s time for Parkview’s facilities to reflect the high-quality instruction, coaching, artistic performances, and spiritual growth happening on our campus. Through God’s divine guidance, Parkview’s founders blessed this generation with an exceptional legacy and an expansive campus. As stewards of this legacy and campus, it is time for us to bless our current Parkview students and the generations of Eagles to come.
We are incredibly thankful for The Blessing Capital Campaign Leadership Committee – these men and women have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build a grassroots effort on this journey to reach our goal of more than $7 million.
Today, they invite you to….
If you have any questions or would like to talk with a member of the DevelopmentTeam, please call us at 225-291-2500, ext. 125 or email to giving@parkviewbaptist.com.
