LETTER
September 24, 1999
RE: Lao Cultural Center
Dear Friend and Family
Lao Parents and Teachers Association (Lao PTA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 and incorporated in 1991, to help the Lao community in Minnesota. The mission of the Lao PTA is to serve as an advocate for parents, support their children to educational goals, and help strengthen the partnership between school and parents.
Lao PTA and the capital campaign committee respectful request your financial support, by a building to become Lao Cultural Center. By establishing the Lao Cultural Center we will improve services for 7,000 Lao people in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas. Because for the first time, the Lao community will have a central location and which children, adolescents, and their parents will be able o learn new skills, practice cultural traditions, socialize with each other, and access information and resources from mainstream service providers to succeed in our community. In addition, the building will have space for community gathering performances and cultural displays.
Our cultural is over three thousand years old. Its strength is in its tradition of strong, extended family and community ties bonds between generations that provide mutual support ad assistance in times
of trouble. The Lao Cultural Center is more than a program location, it is the physical manifestation of our values; a place to share our cultural with the mainstream.
The Lao PTA is most pleased to inform you that after two years, we finally found a building that can become the Lao Cultural Center. The building is located at 2648 West Broadway consisting of approximately 9,000 square feet of building and approximately 24, 152 square feet of land. This building has approximately 6,500 squared feet on the first floor and 3,795 square feet on the lower level, accessible by a ramp. The lower level includes a small commerce kitchen with code sink; flooring and range with vent hood. There is on site parking for 30 cars, with ample street parking for another 30 cars nearby. (Please see the above picture)
The building was purchased for negotiated price of $350,000, or less that $35 per lease-able square foot. To avoid the transaction cost of a bank loan, short-term contract-for-deed was negotiated to be paid in full on the balance refinanced by January 31, 2001. Lao PTA has received or has commitments for $141, 7000 (10,575 from the Lao community and $131,700 from foundations). An initial down payment of $50,000 was agreed to, and with an additional down payment of $50,000 due January 31, 2000.
The $825,000 capital campaign has three phases. The phase includes the down payment for the building, interim building operating expenses, and minimum costs to make the building function for both classes and assemblies. The Lao PTA plans to move to the new building by November 1, 1999. The second phase includes furnishings so the banquet hall can be rented for community events, The third phase, after the acquisition is paid for, covers costs to renovate the building (new flooring, new windows, making bathrooms fully accessible), high quality movable partitions for the multipurpose room, and purchasing additional kitchen equipment so food can be easily prepared and served. The final phase includes redoing the roof so the building has a Lao roof profile and commissioning Lao artist to create an outdoor concrete sculpture. A water dragon and two giants will guard and protect the building and it occupants. A funded replacement reserve is also included.
Campaign Committee strongly hopes that you will share the ownership of the Lao Cultural Center with us b making your financial contribution. Now, more than ever, your support is needed to make this possible. Any amount/contribution is welcome and greatly appreciated.
Please make your check payable to Lao PTA Capital Fund! Your name will forever be on the list of contribution. Of course, we will issue you a receipt for tax deductible. Thank you so much for your time, consideration, and generosity. Best wishes to you and your family.
