The Joseph Sams School of Fayetteville has announced the receipt of a $200,000 Anonymous Foundation Grant to be used in funding the construction of their new facility. "The size of this gift is unprecedented in the school's 14-year history," said Janet Smola, fund-raising director for the school.

The project, an 8,500 sq. ft. facility designed by Don Cobb of Cobb and Associates to meet the needs of students with disabilities, will be built on Brandywine Road in Fayetteville. Ground was broken Aug. 19 and the new school is scheduled to open in time for the 1999 school year.

The school staff is estimating the cost of the project to be in the $800,000 range and the goal is to complete it without a mortgage. "Though this seemed a lofty goal at first," Smola said, "we have marveled at the response of the community to fund this project." Donations from corporations, foundations, civic organizations and individuals totaling more than half the project's total budget have been received to date, making that $800,000 marker far more attainable.

Wayne Leslie of Leslie Contracting has volunteered his services as general contractor for the project. Leslie said that "this project is truly a widespread Fayette County community effort."

Local home builder Jeff Ellis is coordinating a massive volunteer "barn raising" to frame the building sometime near the beginning of the year. Event coordinators are seeking 200 laborers, skilled and unskilled, to complete that task.

To volunteer time or donations or for more information, call Janet Smola at 770-461-5894.

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