The Penn Valley Community Foundation is excited to announce a significant milestone in its endeavor to establish a community center at 10592 Spenceville Rd, Penn Valley. All necessary building studies have been completed, and the project is now progress ing into the county’s planning process. The community center has been a longstanding dream for a dedicated group of Penn Valley residents, some of whom have advocated for its creation since the early 2000s. “This center represents the heart and spirit of our community,” says Louie Osterude, Founding Board Member and a passionate advocate for the project.
On any given Saturday, you might find Board President Frank Goss engaging with community members at a local café or the rodeo grounds, rallying support and sharing updates about the center. His efforts and many others have kept the community’s enthusiasm alive. District 4 Representative Sue Hoek, an Advisory Board Member, has played a crucial role in shaping the project to meet the needs of Penn Valley’s residents. Her leadership has been instrumental in garnering support from the county and ensuring the project aligns with community expectations.
With the land purchased and the design and landscaping nearing final approvals, the Foundation Board is now calling on the citizens of Penn Valley to help raise the funds needed to “Raise The Roof.” The project has a preliminary budget of $3 million, which the board plans to meet through grant funding, in-kind services, and local fundraising efforts.
The Community Center will benefit all residents of Penn Valley by offering classes, commercial kitchen space, recreational opportunities, meeting space, and arts and entertainment opportunities for the families, seniors, and schoolchildren of Penn Valley. It will also act as an emergency hub in times of crisis.
Community involvement is critical to the success of this project. High-value “Naming Sponsorships” have been created to support the construction of essential features such as the commercial kitchen, the proscenium stage, meeting rooms, and outdoor pavilions. Smaller donations will also be recognized, with donor names embedded in the project through commemorative bricks and other branded elements.
Sponsorship levels can be found at Pennvalleycf.org.
To usher in this new fundraising stage, the Penn Valley Community Foundation will hold a Black Hats and Silver Buckles fundraiser on September 14, 2024, from 6:00-10:00, at the Penn Valley Rodeo Grounds. The event will include a night of music featuring the band Robby James and the Streets of Bakersfield, a western gourmet dinner, and a live auction fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased online at pennvalleycf.org for $80 per person or $150 per couple. VIP Tables can also be purchased. The ticket sale deadline is September 4th. For more information on contributing to the Penn Valley Community Center project or getting involved, please visit our website or contact Board President Frank Goss at 530- 277-0727.
About Penn Valley Community Foundation
The Penn Valley Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Penn Valley through initiatives that foster community engagement, support local projects, assist those in need, and promote civic pride.