Fundraising for construction of the new arts and technology center at Whitefish High School has hit its goal following a blitz of major donations.

Iron Horse Foundation presented a $250,000 check to the school district at the Whitefish Community Foundation grants award ceremony. That donation, combined with other anonymous $25,000 donations, capped the $2.3 million fundraising effort that began in July.

“To raise that in four months is unbelievable,” school board trustee Shawn Watts said. “I continue to be humbled by the community’s willingness to get behind our schools, teachers and students.”

“To have raised $2.3 million is a testament to our community and what can be done when the community is engaged.”

The $2.8 million facility will accommodate classes in music, media arts and technology, and theater as part of the new Center for Applied Media, Arts & Sciences. The new area covers 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.

The school district budgeted about $558,000 for the project. All other funding came entirely from private donation.

The Iron Horse grant came as a surprise to the school district.

“What they have done is amazing,” Watts said. “And what we were able to produce as a result of their giving is world-class and state-of-the-art.”

Iron Horse Foundation previously donated $1 million to the construction of athletic facilities at the high school.

Watts noted that while major donors have been a big part of the effort, many smaller contributions added up as well.

“I can honestly say it’s been a true full community effort,” he said. “Our fundraising campaign crossed the whole spectrum.”

Teachers will begin moving into the classrooms on Monday.

A public tour of the facility is planned for some time after the New Year.