Park Board Continuing Talks With Professional Fudraiser

By ERIC X. VICCARO

eviccaro@stegenherald.com

The Ste. Genevieve Parks and Recreation board continued discussions regarding professional fundraising during its meeting on Oct. 25 at city hall.

This is all part of the long-term Master Plan, a 50-page manifesto assembled by Ste. Genevieve-based residents Nick and Mary Donze from Donze Park Planners, LLC.

The city received only one request for qualifications from The Rome Group, based in St. Louis. An RFQ essentially asks for pricing on possible services to be provided.

The fundraising committee recommended continuing talks with The Rome Group, which specializes in fund development solutions, according to its website: www.theromegroup.com.

Park board members who serve on the fundraising subcommittee said Rome Group “covered a lot of questions” they had during a recent meeting.

Ste. Genevieve city administrator Happy Welch said he will make a request for a proposed contract – including payment information – and present it at the next board meeting.

According to video from the meeting, the park board would like to make a decision on whether to use The Rome Group or not by the end of the year.

The Rome Group’s fund development solutions help nonprofits raise money with tailored services based on needs. The group’s work includes data analysis, measurements and goal-setting.

Keep in mind, the city also has established the City of Ste. Genevieve’s Fund for Parks and Recreation though the Community Foundation of the Ozarks based in Springfield. 

For information on that fund, log onto the website: cfozarks.org. There is a donation screen with various gift amounts. Gifts may be a one-time donation or recurring monthly. Patrons may either use their debit/credit card or electronic check.

In a related matter, the city has not heard back from the State of Missouri regarding possibly receiving a recreational trails program (RTP) grant.