The fundraising committee for the arts and technology wing at the new Whitefish High School is closer to reaching its goal thanks to a few more major donations.

Multiple anonymous donors have combined to pledge $500,000 for the project. One donor pledged $250,000, another $150,000, while others pledged smaller contributions. The group is challenging the community to match the gift through further donations.

“Significant challenges like this always motivate me to work harder,” said Carol Atkinson, one of the fundraising committee members. “It places extra emphasis on other donations when donors know their money is being matched and helping to raise more funding,” she said.

The school district decided in March to move forward with plans to build a state-of-the-art performing arts and technology wing at high school after receiving more than $1 million in anonymous donations.

The $2.8 million facility will accommodate classes in music, media arts and technology, and theater. All totaled the new area will encompass about 12,000 square feet. It is being touted as a world-class anchor to the new high school that will attract new students and elite teachers to the district.

With more than $2 million committed to the project so far, an additional $800,000 is needed.

Individuals interested in more information about supporting the project should contact Carol Atkinson at 862-7591 or Shawn Watts at 471-4714.

Donations are tax deductible and can be made out and sent to Whitefish Community Foundation, reference the Arts and Technology Program, P.O. Box 1060, Whitefish, MT 59937. Please call the Community Foundation at 406 863-1781 to arrange a donation of appreciated stock. Opportunities for the community to tour the new high school as construction progresses are ongoing and community open houses will be held during the summer.