On behalf of Driving Dickinson County, thank you to the downtown building owners, businesses, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, City of Abilene and community partners who supported our BLOCK Grant application for downtown Abilene.
Unfortunately, Abilene was not selected to receive the $500,000 grant. While we are disappointed, we received favorable comments about our application and are grateful for everyone who stepped forward to help.
More than 75 volunteers pledged more than 760 hours of their time, and 100% of the property and business owners in the project area agreed to participate. Fourteen area contractors and suppliers committed to helping us meet a tight construction timeline.
We especially appreciate the City of Abilene’s willingness to commit up to $125,000 in support and the Community Foundation of Dickinson County’s offer of a $95,000 grant contingent upon receiving the BLOCK Grant. Together, these commitments demonstrated how much our community is willing to invest in downtown Abilene’s future.
Julie Roller Weeks of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau shared, “While we’re disappointed Abilene wasn’t selected, I’m incredibly encouraged by the response to this opportunity. More than 75 people were willing to volunteer, property and business owners stepped up, and local partners committed significant resources. That kind of response says a lot about Abilene and our willingness to work together when opportunities arise.”
This process strengthened relationships, brought new partners to the table and helped us better understand what it will take to carry out a coordinated downtown improvement project. That preparation will help us respond when the next opportunity comes along.
As CEO of Driving Dickinson County, I share Julie’s sentiment.
“What impressed me most was how people showed up. Building owners, businesses, volunteers, contractors and community partners all said yes to helping move our community forward. I am proud to work in Dickinson County, where people care deeply about their communities and are willing to put that care into action. That gives me hope for what we can accomplish together in the future.”
Again, thank you for saying yes when we asked for your help. The time spent planning, building partnerships and demonstrating community support was not wasted. It showed what is possible when we work together.
We appreciate your commitment to Abilene and look forward to building on the momentum we created together.
Natalie Muruato Julie Roller-Weeks
CEO, Driving Dickinson County CVB Director, City of Abilene
