This is the Project Swing Newsletter, a newsletter about the New Philadelphia High School Class of 1973 and our “Donation of The World’s Most Comfortable Swing.”
The Back Story
Introducing “The World’s Most Comfortable Swing” — a Project for the members of the New Philadelphia High School Class of 1973 to donate a swing to Tuscora Park. Where most (if not all) of us spent a lot of time growing up.
So a long story short, after almost fifty years, Chip Street and I (Jeff Kinsey) reconnect. Besides the obvious connection, we both worked for Steve Schaffer’s dad, Howard. Yep, H.L. Schaffer Tree Service. (Hey Steve!)
That must have had an impact on us as we both are serial entrepreneurs. But back to this story.
While visiting Chip at his Fab shop earlier this year in Mount Vernon, he says you gotta sit in this swing. “It’s the world’s most comfortable swing!” I did and it is. One thing leads to another and I now resell them. Why? Because they are selling like hotcakes at $4900 each. Plus installation.
Did I mention these things are made like a tank? There is no chain. Plus, they are powder-coated (at Chip’s business, Custom Cutters). The finish should last seven years or more under normal conditions… which includes tornadoes!
A few weeks ago Chip suggests we donate one to Tuscora Park. Great idea! I approach the New Phila Park Board and receive approval to place one at the Park. We have an estimate for $1600 for the concrete base. While we would like to have it ready for the big Christmas in The Park event at Tuscora Park on Sunday, December 19th — that seems unlikely.
So How Can I Help?
Great question! First, with the costs: Chip is donating half the cost of the swing (basically we are paying for the materials, labor, and physical assembly on-site) which leaves $2450 in expense. I am foregoing my commission. Concrete and related activity for the base is $1600 (not to exceed).
Bottom line: $4050 in total costs to make it happen…
Donations
Should be made to Tuscora Park Foundation.
Be sure to add the memo: Class of 1973 Swing.
In order to help track this, please mail to me (but made out to the Foundation) and I will forward to Rod Miller, who will see that a receipt is sent to you. Any funds collected above the $4050 will be given to the Foundation’s Main Fund.
Class of 1973 Swing Project
c/o Jeff ‘SKI’ Kinsey
513 Mill Ave SE; PMB 267
New Phila, OH 44663
Please note that you CANNOT donate online or via Credit Card.
At least not at this moment. We are working on the Donation page of Tuscora Park Foundation to allow “tagging” the Fund for your earmark, but it is NOT possible today. Watch this page for updates on this ability and a running count of funds raised.
For now, please send the old standby of a paper check:
May I suggest $73 as a great donation? Give at least this amount and your name will be on the dedication plaque on the Swing. If you own a business and want it listed in addition to your name, or a Memorial listing, donate at least $100 for a double listing, as follows:
AffordableQuarters Today
Jeff ‘SKI’ Kinsey
or
In Memory of Firstname Lastname
Your name here underneath
Be sure to include in your mailing:
Show my name as: ____
If including your business or Memorial, list it as: ____
All donations of any amount will be listed on this website (if you so choose).
Questions? Reach out to me on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Thank you for your support.
P.S. Special shoutout to Dave Yaggi. I bounced the idea off him and he jumped at the chance to help make it happen. Also, to the New Phila Park Board members under the leadership of Jan McInturf for agreeing to make it happen. In addition, Mary Ann Otte is helping us get the word out including a post and updates on Facebook.
P.P.S. Plus, a heart-felt thank you to Rod Miller and his team for all their support in working through the logistics for the location.