Rayen Stadium supporters can donate online

Staff report

Youngstown

Supporters of the Rayen Stadium renovation project can now make their donations online at www.rayenstadium.org.

Contributions by traditional mail are also accepted.

Donors of larger amounts can have their support memorialized on a brick walkway or a donor wall that will be built near the stadium locker rooms.

“We’re very pleased with the early flow of support and hope to see it build in the upcoming months now that we’re beyond the holidays,” said Ed Matey, Youngstown City Schools athletic director and the day-to-day manager of the campaign. “We’re getting checks in the mail on a daily basis.”

About $1.7 million has been raised or pledged toward the project’s $3 million goal. In addition to the $1 million originally announced by the Youngstown Board of Education and $200,000 donated by the Rayen Foundation, the project has received more than 100 contributions, several of them anonymous.

“We’ve approached several foundations and grant-making organizations that have signaled support but won’t make decisions for another few months,” Matey said.

“We’ve also spoken to leaders of several local churches and community organizations who have inquired about supporting us,” Matey said.

Among those is the National Football League’s Grassroots program, which is considering the stadium for a grant of $200,000.

The bid has the support of the San Francisco 49ers and its owner, Denise DeBartolo York.

The stadium’s donor wall will memorialize contributions of $500 and up.

More information about contributing funds or construction services is available online at www.rayenstadium.org or from the Rayen Stadium information line, at 330-740-8773.

Contributions may also be made by checks to the Rayen Stadium Renovation Fund mailed to Youngstown City School District, Rayen Stadium Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 550, Youngstown, OH 44501-0550.