Page 47 - The Peorian Vol 3 Issue 1 Winter
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CWTC relies on the contracts
with Caterpillar and other orga-
nizations for funding, as well as
funding from the state. In fact,
nearly half of its annual budget
is funded by the state, so one can
imagine the struggle that has
been the past few years.
“We’ve had to contact our
legislators more than once for
help in getting some of the fund-
ing released. It has helped since
we started getting legislators
out here to tour our facility, so
they can picture it when they are
going through the budgets and
deciding where the cuts are going
to fall. They are very supportive
of what we do, especially after
they’ve been here,” Gratton said.
Added Stephenson, “Usually
the first thing they say when they
come here is ‘wow’ or ‘I had no
idea.’”
But its annual budget of $7.3
million also relies on raising
funds within the community.
It welcomes companies and
organizations who want to host
fundraising events on CWTC’s
behalf, sponsor benefit events,
donations and volunteers to work
for the organization.
“We don’t want to be a secret.
Our consumers are important
members of the community.
Many stay with us their whole
lives, whether it’s because of
comfort or need. Nobody is
forced to do anything; it’s all
about choice. But we can’t do it
without help,” Gratton said.
“If you want to help, if you
want a tour … Hey, give us a
call,” said Stephenson.
