Friends of Kingston Springs nonprofit announced at Dinner on Main

Editor's note: The Gazette's founder and author of this article is a board member of the Friends of Kingston Springs

A new nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for improvements in Kingston Springs was announced during the town’s ninth annual Dinner on Main event on Sept. 20.

Former Kingston Springs Mayor Tony Gross, who served on the city commission for 12 years, is chair of the newly formed Friends of Kingston Springs group, a 501(c)(3) organization that will support projects and improvements in the community.

“We're all here because we love this town,” Gross told those attending the dinner. “We all love to come to this dinner every year because of what a wonderful place this town is. And many of us live here. We call this place home, and we’re always looking for ways to make it a better place.”

Gross said the group will help raise funds for projects including improvements to Burns Park and the town’s historic train depot.

The organization’s immediate priorities include helping fund new playground equipment at Burns Park and supporting restoration efforts for the depot.

The town has already set aside more than $300,000 in a designated playground fund, but the estimated cost of the planned playground improvements is approximately $1.2 million. The Friends group could help supplement town funding through private donations and fundraising efforts.

Gross said the nonprofit will also provide an avenue for fundraising opportunities that may not be available directly to the town, including potential grants and donations.

The group’s board currently has seven members, including City Commissioner Michael Coldwell, a former attorney, an architect and The ARK’s Director Mike Turpin. The Gazette’s founder, Cate Burgan, is also a member of the board. 

The nonprofit is not yet accepting donations, but you can sign up for its newsletter here.