Gym Construction Update
Invest in our future!! Gymnasium Construction Project
A local teacher and coach is excited to bring a new opportunity to our Hardee County area.
Vance Dickey will be teaming up with Riverview Heights Missionary Baptist Church to build a gymnasium on the RHMBC property at 1321 E. Main Street in Wauchula. The gymnasium will be home of the brand new SALT Basketball Academy.
As SBA Owner/Director, Coach Dickey says: "Salt Basketball Academy is excited to partner with Riverview Heights in the building of the new gym. We share the vision of bringing a valuable resource to our community. Our aim is to train great basketball players using Biblical principles. Our organizational mindset comes from Matthew 5:13 "Ye are the salt of the earth."
Community outreach elements will be embedded in SBA operations, with various basketball programs for area youth and adults. Along with the knowledge and experience to lead, Coach Dickey brings a purpose and passion that runs deep.
"I grew up here, I played here, I've coached here, and the Lord still has me here. I love being in the gym, and I love the game. Our area needs positive activities, with this gymnasium being part of the solution. This will be a dedicated facility for a dedicated program - SALT Basketball Academy."
RHMBC Pastor Jim Harris sees the gymnasium project as a win-win type of opportunity. "Salt Basketball Academy is for our community, and we are excited about partnering with Vance Dickey to bring it to life. Vance is an outstanding Christian gentleman and coach. We have a contractor and crew standing by to erect the building at no cost. All we need is permitting and building materials. We are offering to the community the opportunity to partner with us in this exciting, safe, and fun venture."
Princeton University graduate Weston Palmer: "I couldn't be more excited about this project. As a former player under Coach, the love he has for both the game of basketball and for opening doors for young athletes through the game, needs no explanation. SALT Basketball Academy will fill a need we have had for a long time in our community."
The gymnasium construction project has already been the recipient of many blessings. A professional group called Macedonian Builders has agreed to build the gymnasium at no cost as part of their ministry. Also, the building site is largely developed, including an existing concrete pad foundation and parking. A great deal of money will be saved on the back end of the project, putting the emphasis on up-front costs such as engineering, permitting, and building materials. Once the gym is built, the basketball academy will support itself and gymnasium maintenance.
A special account has been set up and funds have begun to trickle in. All donations are tax-deductible as RHMBC is a 501c3 organization. Donation and partnership incentives are available. Donations are an investment in the future of this community and the lives of our young people.
Larger donations can be made by writing a check to: RHMBC, memo Gymnasium Construction. Checks can be mailed to: RHMBC, Attn: Gymnasium Construction, P.O. Box 581, Wauchula, FL 33873. Online donations can be made by visiting the academy website at: saltbasketballacademy.com