Event center gift to benefit disabled

The Fansler Foundation of Fresno will donate $500,000 to construct state-of-the-art handicapped seating and restroom facilities in the Save Mart Center.

The donation, to be paid over five years, will fund access improvements and private restroom areas with specially designed sinks, countertops and other amenities for the disabled that far exceed the minimum facilities required by law.

"The Fansler Foundation is very excited about being able to participate in the design of handicapped access in the Save Mart Center," said foundation President Marlene Fansler. "It was unanimously agreed by our board of directors that having such a state-of-the-art facility would be a major benefit to the entire Fresno community."

Bob Duncan, volunteer co-chairman of the Save Mart Center's fund raising campaign, said, "Why not set a new standard in facilities for the disabled? The campus event center is a perfect opportunity to do that."

The Fansler Foundation was formed in 1984 by Paul Fansler. It provides grants to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of advancing independence, enthusiasm and success among the developmentally disabled.

Fund raising and schematic design work is continuing for the Save Mart Center, a planned 16,500-seat event complex to be located on the southeast corner of the Fresno State campus. The volunteer fund raising team has set a $103 million goal.

 

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