CAULFIELD, Mo – More than $3,000 was raised in twenty-four hours for a historic community center in Howell County. The Caulfield Community Building found itself in financial distress when donations came to a halt during the pandemic. The community center was almost forced to lock the doors due to the lack of ability to pay for insurance.
Insurance and utilities for the community center is paid by donations when events are hosted. Because of social distancing, the Caulfield Community Building has been left unused and therefor the bank account ran dry. Board member, Billy Joe Tackitt, 84 years old, reached out to his daughter, Susie Williams both of Caulfield. He was unsure of what to do given that an event to raise funds is unlikely to be successful right now.
“Dad is nervous about being in public for his own health and he felt helpless. So, I posted the situation about the Community Building on my own Facebook page,” said Williams. “A neighbor and friend, Ashley Harper, reached out and created a Facebook group and also activated the fundraising ability. In hours, it raised enough money to keep the doors open for the immediate future.”
Within 24 hours, more than $3,000 was donated to keep what is known as “the heart of the community” open, which is enough for more than 2 years.
“I am amazed that so much was donated just by asking online,” said Tackitt. “This building means so much to my generation and I hope the next generation cherish it as much as we do. If the donations that were given is any sign, it will be.”
The Caulfield Community Building is a 501c3, ran by a Board of Directors. The building is used for social gatherings like birthday parties, family reunions and community concerts. It has often been used for one of the Ozark’s coveted traditions – pie suppers. Thousands upon thousands of dollars have been raised for families in and around Caulfield in the historic schoolhouse.
The Caulfield Community Building was once a school house known as Oak Grove School and dates back to the 1940s. Since then, there have been several changes and repairs to the building.
“The Community Building needs more repairs, but we’ve not been able to afford it in quite some time,” said Tackitt. “The building is meant to be a place that gives back to the community, not take from it. But it may be time that the community gives back to its heart.”
Officials from the board say that the support has been overwhelming and they are now forming a plan for updates, so the Caulfield Community Building will be of use for generations to come.
People wanting to donate can give on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/CaulfieldCommunityBuilding/, call Susie Williams at 417-284-3384 or deposit funds in the Caulfield Community Building bank account at Century Bank of the Ozarks in Bakersfield, MO.
