Friends of New Troy

"building a community one neighbor at a time"

Friends of New Troy is a non-profit organization formed to raise funds for the purchase of the former New Troy Campus for use as a community center and park. In May 2006, the organization signed a purchase agreement with River Valley School District, and presented the District with a deposit of $24,000. One month later, with backing from the Friends of New Troy Steering Committee, the organization purchased the property with a loan from Fifth Third Bank. In 2008, the loan was moved to New Buffalo Savings & Loan.

Funds for the deposit and subsequent interest payments and maintenance costs have been raised through generous contributions from Steering Committee members, as well as donations from members and businesses, plus numerous events that have included a chili cook-off, dinners, dances, an auction, plus the sale of merchandise such as t-shirts, caps, notecards that depict historical New Troy scenes, certified New Troy High School bricks, and engraved memorial bricks. Grants have been applied for and more fund-raising events are planned. The thermometer pictured below, which sits on the lawn of the Community Center, tracks our progress.

Today, the New Troy Community Center is a lively facility that features a 4,000-book library and fitness center, and hosts community events throughout the year.

In 2008, members began work on a Memorial Garden. This multi-year project will eventually have four distinct "rooms" in which to sit, relax, and enjoy nature. Paths will feature engraved memorial bricks and benches.

Our organization is entirely volunteer-run. More volunteers are always needed! Anyone interested in helping to serve our community is invited to join.

* Friends of New Troy is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up entirely of volunteers. All contributions are tax deductable.

updated January, 2009