Fundraising group says $4.5 million raised so far for new Mifflin County stadium; $1.8 million disbursed to district

John Pinto, a volunteer with the community fundraising effort for the multi-sports facility, told the Mifflin County School District board that the campaign has raised more than $4.5 million since it began.

The money includes a $3 million state contribution that the foundation said it secured earlier and community pledges that pushed the local total past earlier targets. "We raised over 4,500,000 when we came here 4 years ago," Pinto told the board, and the group later increased its community goal to $4.5 million, which it said it achieved.

Why it matters: The district and its foundation are collecting and disbursing large, one-time sums to build a new multi-sports stadium and related facilities. The foundation reported it has already released $1.2 million and signed off on another $600,000 — a total of $1.8 million — that has been given to the school district for the project so far.

Pinto described a range of giving options still available to donors, including a $1,000 plaque program and larger multi-year pledges. He said the campaign sold nearly 400 engraved bricks and noted other in-kind or special donations: "We just received a $28,100 check… they turned around and sent us $28,100 for the money that they received from it back to this," Pinto said, referring to proceeds linked to donated glass and a subcontractor purchase.

Board members and Pinto also discussed naming-rights and other sponsorship opportunities still open, such as concession-stand sponsorships and legacy benches; Pinto said four legacy benches remained and that the foundation is maintaining contact with pledge donors.

The update included plans to continue sending funds to the district as donations arrive. Pinto asked board members to direct questions to the foundation as needed and said he and his colleagues would keep the district informed about remaining donations and disbursement timing.

Board context and next steps: Board members thanked the foundation and acknowledged the community effort. Pinto said the foundation will continue to work with district staff and expects additional incremental disbursements as pledge funds arrive. No formal action or vote on use of funds was recorded at this meeting.

Ending: The board did not take a formal vote on the stadium project during the meeting; Pinto said the foundation would continue coordinating with district staff on timing and release of future funds.