| Do you have questions about the building expansion planned for Saint Demetrios? If so, the following answers to some of the more common questions that have been raised are provided below. If you have additional questions please don't hesitate to contact the building committee. They are eager to help you! |  |
| Q: | Why are we seeking this expansion project? |
| A: | Thirty-five years ago when Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church was founded, it was the vision to expand upon the 30 acres of ground that we were are so blessed to call our own. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church is one of the most “progressive” orthodox churches North America and we are proud to help her grow and flourish into the 21 st Century and beyond. However; in many ways, we have outgrown our existing facilities…Sunday School classes are combined to fit into existing space, no office space is available for a growing staff or for quiet conversations with those purchasing cemetery space, and not to mention that the Suburban Players would be even more effective in a space designed for theatrical performance. In order to meet the current and future spiritual and physical needs of our parish, we wish to embark on creating space and new homes for our growing ministries. |
| Q: | How can we afford to embark on this expansion project? |
| A: | To this question, we ask, how can we afford NOT to embark on this dream? With an ever-growing community, a fully-operational day school, and youth ministries that are being recognized nationwide, the need exists and is becoming more evident every day. On May 12, 2004 , during a Special General Assembly meeting called for the Building Committee, the parishioners in attendance gave us the charge to proceed with our next step. That next step included a Feasibility Study, which was conducted in the summer of 2005. We know there is support for this project and it has been the overriding reason of all the work we've done to bring us to this point. Now, we are ready to meet the challenge. |
| Q: | What is the maintenance cost for each building? |
| A: | No matter how you look at it, there will be maintenance costs now and in the future. Our current educational building needs major renovations to bring it up to today's standards. By embarking on this project, we will actually be making the current buildings more energy-efficient, significantly lowering the current operating costs -- a major concern now amidst the rising energy costs. For an accurate figure, the Finance Committee has completed a detailed study on what it would cost per square foot to maintain and operate each sector of the expansion project and assure that we properly budget for the expansion. |
| Q: | How can the new buildings become revenue generating for our community? |
| A: | Just imagine. There are so many avenues that would open to us to make our expansion project “work for us.” First and foremost, it would enable the growth of existing and future ministries. But think for a moment, how BIG we could grow our Festival with all the additional parking! Think about how we could grow our day school – more room, more classes! What about the annual Suburban Players production – we'd have more seats in the house! And, we haven't even touched upon how the rentals of our our new Social Hall and Gymnasium would benefit our bottom line. From Christenings, to Sweet Sixteens, to Graduations, to Engagement Parties, to Wedding Receptions – our community truly could share their life's most precious moments and memories right here on our grounds. |
| Q: | When will construction begin and how long will it take to reach completion? |
| A: | From groundbreaking to completion, start to finish, we're looking at about 2 – 3 years. However, prior to the first shovel in the ground, we need to implement and conduct a capital campaign in order to raise the funds to proceed. This process usually takes 6 – 9 months in duration. The next steps would involve construction documents, site work, final plans, permits, and then the actual construction phase. So if everything fell into place and with the Lord's blessing, we would probably be completed in 2009/2010, right around the 40 th Anniversary of our beloved Saint Demetrios parish. |
| Q: | In what order will the expansion occur? |
| A: | Construction will occur in phases so as not to interfere with the daily operation of our church ministries. The order of the phases are: 1. site work; 2. construction of new gymnasium; 3. renovate educational building; 4. renovation of administration wing to include bridal room and infant crying room. |
| Q: | Will I be able to spread my donation over a period of time? |
| A: | Yes! Our campaign has the ability to accept contributions either as a one-time gift, or over a period of up to five years. Multi-year giving is very attractive to many donors because it enables them to make a larger contribution spread out over a period of time. Following, are some examples of gift amounts given over a three- or five-year period, broken down by the daily, weekly, monthly and annual contributions. Gifts made to this cause are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of these laws. For example, as long as a taxpayer itemizes, he can deduct all charitable gifts of cash totaling up to 50% of his adjusted gross income. |
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