Building a future

St. Anne Institute offers its programs in buildings that date back to the late 1800s. Aside from minor repairs and maintenance, there hasn't been any new construction since early this century.

Now, St. Anne's, hoping to raise $2.5 million for the construction of educational facilities, is "Building on Tradition" to do so. That's the name of St. Anne's capital campaign, the first in its 111-year history.

The money will help bridge the gap between $6 million St. Anne's will finance through the New York State Dormitory Authority and the $8.5 million needed to complete the capital improvement project.

Ground for buildings totaling 42,000 square feet was broken in June. A new, open conference education center, a gym and a maintenance building will be included in the construction, which should be finished by May.

"Building on Tradition" also will help to renovate current education-related facilities and living quarters, and enable St Anne's to better serve its clients, said Ralph Fedullo, executive director.

"It's going to offer us a great opportunity to diversify our program even more, give them more privacy and enhance their living conditions," he said.

(For more information on "Building on Tradition" call 437-6563.) (PQ)