He said letters were sent to 35 area churches and 150 families of children involved in project — with a zero response.
In May, when word spread of the possible factory closing, an anonymous donor offered $15,000 if the Idea Factory could raise $15,000 in matching contributions.
Nygren hit the road — and e-mail.
As of last week, $22,200 had been raised, exceeding the required match. Nygren said some 50 donors came forward from 25 cities and nine states.
That means the Idea Factory will be back with its Young Women of Distinction program for Troy fifth-grade girls and leadership opportunities for older teens who lead programs. There also will be a Young Men of Valor project to compliment the Young Women of Distinction.
Among supporters who came forward was Charity Vester, a Troy Christian High School graduate who will be a junior this fall at Hannibal LeGrange College in Hannibal, Mo.
“The Idea Factory has a special place in my heart,” Vester said by e-mail.
“I became involved with the School of Urban Studies when I was a junior in high school. I have always had a desire to make a difference, but never could quite figure out how. The Idea Factory not only gave me the opportunity to do just that, but also gave me the tools, support and drive that I needed,” Vester said.
“On behalf of the youth of the community, I thank you for your generosity and allowing us to continue dreaming greater dreams that will engage teens to impact the world both now and in the future,” Nygren wrote in a thank you letter to supporters.
More information is available at www.troyideafactory.com or from Nygren at (937) 776-7362 or mike@soustudies.com.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2292 or nbowman@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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