GUILFORD — Broad Brook Grange is launching a fundraiser to help its host facility, Broad Brook Community Center, which is raising funds for the upcoming Phase 2 of its renovation of the historic grange hall.
One of the most costly items in the project is an Ansul kitchen exhaust system, which will cost more than $60,000. The system planned for the historic building will trap grease, vent odors to outdoors, and provide a fire suppression system that meets Vermont code for a commercial kitchen.
The Grange has pledged to raise $10,000 to help with this expense and is starting the campaign with a donation of $1,000.
The Grange is well-known in the community for its series of annual public meals: the Sugar on Snow Supper, the Mother's and Father's Day brunches, and the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. All of these events require intensive use of the kitchen cooking range with a commercial exhaust system.
Grange members look forward to resuming such community meals, and they also hope that many families and organizations will use the Community Center for wedding receptions, parties, and potluck suppers.
Guilford's new Neighborhood Roots Food Collective plans to use the kitchen to hold cooking classes and food preparation workshops.
Tax-deductible donations can be paid online at broadbrookcommunitycenter.org/ansul. Contributions may also be made by check payable to Broad Brook Community Center - with “Ansul” on the memo line - sent to treasurer Sandy Garland, 1968 Weatherhead Hollow Rd., Guilford, VT 05301.