Major Gifts Will Propel the National Croquet Center from Plan to Action
In a move to support the expansion and enhancement of its National Croquet Center (NCC) in West Palm Beach, FL, the Croquet Foundation of America (CFA) announces a matching grant of up to $1,000,000 from an anonymous donor and National Croquet Club member who has committed to match all new contributions dollar-for-dollar, including sponsorships for the New Steuber Classic Tournament, the Hall of Fame Gala, and croquet court or other naming opportunities. This extraordinary matching grant challenge, the largest in CFA’s history, marks a transformative moment for the Foundation and the Center. It will fuel critical improvements, including:
Expanding courts from 12 to 17
25 additional parking spots
New court lighting surrounding the veranda
A new Grand Pavilion and other facilities
Major renovations to the Headquarters & Museum (the “Clubhouse”)
New entry signage
“I discovered croquet later in life, and it’s the best sport I’ve ever played,” the donor stated. “Croquet is challenging, great fun, and an opportunity to meet people and make many new friends. I’m delighted to help the Center welcome more players and visitors to the sport I’ve grown to love.”
In addition to the $1,000,000 challenge grant, the CFA will soon receive another amazing grant: $250,000 to build the Grand Pavilion. That grant is from a second anonymous National Croquet Club member-donor who commented “I'm delighted to support the Foundation’s project to build The Grand Pavilion because I know what a difference it will make in everyone’s enjoyment of the Center. I love its look and functionality.”
This generosity is amazing and a testament to how much they value and enjoy our unique Center. All these donations will significantly advance our mission to promote croquet and expand our ability to serve the community.
As for the new courts beyond the existing courts, the plan is to build four new championship courts there at the existing level, in addition to the recently completed Pond Court. Approval requirements are minimal and may allow construction to start before year-end. A fifth court there would require a costly, substantial retaining wall, tree removal, and other changes requiring numerous County approvals. Construction of that fifth court can still be undertaken at a later point, depending on available funds and priorities.
This change of plans means we will have substantial funds (when matched) after the courts and court lighting are complete, to pursue numerous other projects, including major projects to repair, remodel and redecorate the “Clubhouse”. This will include locker rooms, bathrooms, the Ballroom, and other areas based on new priorities now being established by the CFA Board.
Night play is getting more popular, so plans are under development with lighting contractors to resolve technical details as to pole placement, height, timing, capabilities (like dimming & remote controls), light levels achieved, directional glare toward the veranda, etc. We are working to finalize these plans to light eight to ten courts.
All players who can help with matching funds are encouraged to make a tax-deductible contribution of cash or appreciated stock or make a tax-free direct contribution from your IRA to meet your required minimum distribution (US). Gifts for tournament sponsorships and court or other naming opportunities all count. Every dollar contributed will be matched, making this a unique opportunity to maximize your impact on the future of the Center and croquet in America for players worldwide.
While there is no specific deadline yet to achieve the match, donations received before year-end will allow us to set better priorities and to design, plan, and implement projects as soon as they have funding. For more information, contact the NCC’s Executive Director, Franck Meunier.
David McCoy, CFA Chair