Parsons Area Community Foundation Commits Multi-Year Pledge to LCC Foundation

The Parsons Area Community Foundation (PACF) has recently pledged $100,000 over the next five years to the Labette Community College Foundation Pathways to the Future Athletic Complex capital campaign. This gift will help the LCC Foundation more closely attain the $500,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, of Midland, TX toward the construction of the LCC Athletic and Wellness Complex.

This is one of the first times the PACF Board has approved a multi-year pledge. Joan Vitt, Executive Director of PACF said, “The board sees LCC as such an integral part of the community, they were determined to find a way to help in the greatest way possible. If the Parsons Area Community Foundation is able to help LCC reach the Mabee Challenge grant goal, it’s helping LCC and the community; we are proud to be part of this important endeavor.”

The LCC Foundation must secure the remaining $715,955 in cash and multi-year pledge commitments by January 14, 2021 in order to receive the challenge grant funding from the Mabee Foundation. 

“We were ecstatic to learn about the recent $100,000 pledge from the Parsons Area Community Foundation,” said Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of the LCC Foundation. “Their outstanding support is always greatly appreciated, but it means even more now during these trying times. This gift will help us meet the Mabee Challenge Grant and bring $500,000 to our community to help students and make our college and community stronger for generations to come.”

The Pathways to the Future Athletic Complex capital campaign is focusing on the expansion, major renovation and upgrading of the current gymnasium. The $5,729,900 Athletic Complex project will provide air conditioning, new seating, and other updates to the current gym. It will also make it possible to construct a 21,850 ft. addition to house: classroom space for Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Physical Education programs; indoor softball/baseball training area; wrestling training area; lockers; showers; weight room; and a fitness center that will be open to all students. 

LCC’s current gymnasium was built in 1987. At that time, the college only had 4 athletic teams. Today, the college has 6 athletic teams that include men's and women's programs. More than 15 percent of LCC students participate in sports. 

The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. was formed in 1948 by Mr. John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee. The foundation provides grants in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to assist religious, charitable and educational organizations, particularly in the area of capital improvements.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on large group gatherings, the PACF will not have their annual grant ceremony.

For more information or to donate contact Lindi Forbes 620-820-1212 or visit www.labette.edu/pathways.