Building Dreams fundraising kickoff set

What began as Playhouse Project Spokane last year has morphed into the Building Dreams – Bright Futures for Our Kids campaign, but the fundraiser still has the same goal: to raise money for youth programs at West Central Community Center, Peaceful Valley Community Center and Northeast Youth Center.

Playhouse Project Spokane raised $48,344 last year by auctioning off imaginative and fanciful playhouses built and donated by members of the Spokane Home Builders Association.

This year, the campaign is branching out by auctioning off doghouses, pergolas, room remodels, outdoor decks and many other home additions.

“We realized there’s a limited opportunity to sell the kinds of playhouses we did last year,” said Kim Ferraro, executive director of West Central Community Center and the woman behind the idea.

Money from last year’s fundraiser was donated to youth programs at the three centers.

At West Central, Ferraro said the funding went toward many different programs.

“On any given day we have between 80 and 100 children here,” Ferraro said. “We teach classes on character building and many other topics. And we have a summer program.”

Spokane Homebuilders Association is the main partner again this year.

Among 10 additional community sponsors are Avista, Sterling Bank, Rosauers Supermarkets and The Spokesman-Review.

Rosauers CEO Jeff Philipps will be receiving the first Dream Builder Award.

“He does so much for youth in our community,” Ferraro said about Philipps. “He deserves the recognition.”