This is the third issue of HEC Happenings. For earlier issues, go here

Harmony Expands Rhino’s Youth Center Into New Space
“We were literally bursting at the seams,” says Brad Wilhelm, director of Rhino’s Youth Center in downtown Bloomington. Founded 13 years ago by Harmony students, Rhino’s has experienced a steady expansion of services and attendance.

“We reached a point earlier this year where we were constantly turning people away,” says Wilhelm. “We just couldn’t fit any more people into our space and many would wait for hours in the parking lot,” he said.

Things started to happen very quickly last spring. When the Army-Navy Recruiting Office moved out of a larger adjoining space, Wilhelm saw his chance and Harmony Education Center seized the opportunity.

The successful move into the new Rhino’s is a remarkable story, and an example of a whole community pulling together to make something wonderful happen. In just 14 weeks the space was rented and the inside was completely rebuilt with offices, a conference room, studios for teaching audio and video editing, and construction of a stage and performance space.

Rhino’s was ready for its first program on September 2nd.

“So much has happened in so little time it’s hard to believe,” Wilhelm says.

Rhino’s is supported by a wide range of community friends, especially the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, and the United Way Community Services of Monroe County.

Many other partners, new and old, helped raise the funds and build the momentum for what is called the “Raise the Roof Campaign.”

The immediate need was for $85,000 - a figure that kept growing as expensive “surprises” were discovered along the way. Individuals started with pledges for over $11,000, which was then matched from a special fund by United Way. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers donated $10,000 in needed labor, and other contractors offered best quotes to keep the investment down.

Related Story: HARMONY PURCHASES DOWNTOWN PROPERTY In September Harmony Education Center secured the future of Rhino’s. For the complete story see page 3.

A Tom Donohue Fund was started by friends to honor the late supporter of the Bloomington music scene. Students helped with a fund raising music CD, special benefit concerts were held, and an auction raised even more. Several Bloomington stores and eateries helped with in-store solicitations of customers.

The big push over the summer allowed work to press forward and Rhino’s opened on time. Money is still needed to complete the installation of offices and educational space.

Those wishing to help should call Brad Wilhelm at 812-333-3430 to discuss the list of additional equipment that is still required, or donate to the Tom Donohue Fund.

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