Wright Launches Matching Challenge
ONEONTA—The Future for Oneonta Foundation announced a major community challenge gift last month from longtime Oneonta supporter Brian Wright, who has pledged to match donations—dollar for dollar, up to $125,000.00—to help complete the much-anticipated Wilber Park Splash Pad Project.
According to a press release, this initiative is designed to inspire broad community support to raise the remaining funds needed to bring the Splash Pad to life by December 31, 2025, with construction planned for spring 2026. Once complete, the Splash Pad will provide a safe, family-friendly recreation area and a new attraction for residents and visitors alike, officials said.
The campaign has already received a tremendous boost: Alan Cleinman, a longtime community leader and philanthropist, has pledged $25,000.00 toward the project as part of this matching challenge. His gift, combined with Wright’s match, demonstrates the strong commitment of local leaders to ensuring this project becomes a reality.
“This is about more than building a Splash Pad,” said Wright. “It’s about investing in Oneonta’s families, children and quality of life. By matching community donations, I hope to encourage everyone to give what they can. Every dollar donated will go twice as far.”
“Together with our benefactor, Brian Wright, the Future for Oneonta Foundation is dedicated to completing this project and looks to leverage these funds to draw additional donations from community members, businesses, and organizations, as well as strengthen any additional grants available from public funds,” FOF officials said. “Together, we can achieve this goal and provide a much-needed asset and community attraction that will benefit families, tourists, and the local economy while enhancing Oneonta’s parks system.”
Donations can be made directly to the Future for Oneonta Foundation by visiting https://futureforoneonta.org/. Questions can be e-mailed to fofoneonta@gmail.com.
The Future for Oneonta Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Oneonta through community development, beautification projects, and investments that strengthen the city’s future.
