A group of over 35 volunteers along with partner Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance (PACE) officially launched Spirit of Pella, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
The organization is a group of passionate volunteers, businesses, and organizations working to enhance Pella’s community through various projects, such as installing interactive public art, launching a Pella Christmas event, adding additional holiday lighting, and enhancing local gathering spaces.
“People are the lifeblood of our community. Domine Scholte, Pella’s founding father, had the vision to build a Pella full of life. A Pella that was innovative, connected people, blossoming with color, celebrated heritage, and a town full of people. We are carrying on Scholte’s vision and his spirit with the Spirit of Pella,” commented Mary Mansfield, member of the Spirit of Pella steering committee.
The five initial projects defined by the organization are: murals and public art, Christmas lighting, enhancing the Molengracht Courtyard and Klokkenspel Plaza, and launching a Kerstmarkt – a Dutch European Christmas Market. The projects were identified after careful research and compiled data from retail coaching consultations completed for PACE Alliance’s strategic initiatives.
“Research and recommendations from The Retail Coach have provided solid proof that Pella is a great place to work and live, but we can improve on focusing more efforts to create events during the winter season and enhance our underutilized spaces like the Molengracht Courtyard and the Klokkenspel Plaza,” explained Karen Eischen, PACE Alliance Executive Director. “PACE Alliance understands the need but lacks the funding. We are happy to partner with Spirit of Pella organization to fundraise and make this happen for our community.”
“This group of volunteers is passionate and has an incredible vision for our community. I’m happy to be a part of an organization that honors the past while looking toward the future, which lines right up with Pella Cooperative Electric’s values,” said Amy Blunck, Communications Director at Pella Cooperative Electric and Spirit of Pella committee member.
Spirit of Pella is funded through monetary and in-kind donations. Businesses and individuals may support Spirit of Pella by donating at www.spiritofpella.org.