A New Survey. In January 2004, a group of like-minded island residents teamed up to tackle the community center project once and for all, together forming the Island Community Center (ICC) Committee. Judi Imbriglio was first to sit as the chair, with Sarah Goulard (Moody), Sara McLean, Gail Cypherd, Jeanne Shultz, Karla Heath, Grace Burr, Janio Spinola, John Spofford, Nate Gray, Charlie Stepanek, and several others rounding out the committee.

To ensure that the prior island-wide enthusiasm for the project hadn’t diminished over the years, a new survey was circulated in February 2004, returning an equally encouraging response. Of the committee’s initial concerns, the location of the prospective community center was perhaps the most paramount. The question was whether to construct a new building, a markedly pricey endeavor, or to upgrade and renovate an already established structure.

Jimmy Righter of Albert, Righter & Tittmann Architects, Inc., worked with the ICC pro bono, sharing his expertise. He sketched designs for a possible new freestanding building to be located across from the school. With this in hand and an evaluation of the costs associated with both options, the ICC ultimately determined that repurposing an existing building proved to be the most feasible though hardly one void of its own obstacles.

While the movie theater was originally seen as an operable choice, the sum of its requisite facelift, unfortunately, proved to be too arduous and costly. John Spofford borrowed the keys to Building #98, and after the committee toured the facility there was unanimous and enthusiastic agreement to pursue this alternative. Not only was the brick building’s foundation structurally sound, its location proved advantageous as well. Situated right by the school and its basketball and tennis courts, the inclusion of a Community Center offered the area a real “campus-like” feel, a hopeful vision proposed months earlier by committee members. The building, built by the Army in the 1930’s as the Commissary for Fort Wright, is owned by FIDCO.

Fundraising. Having received the ICC’s proposal, the FIDCO Board unanimously approved the committee’s use of Building #98 by late May 2005, with an annual rent of $1.00 (that is still in place today). The ensuing excitement was palpable, as the committee wasted no time transitioning into their fundraising phase.

The Island Community Center received its certificate of incorporation on August 17, 2005 with the original board of directors made up of President John Spofford, Secretary/Treasurer Sarah Goulard, and Sara McLean and Judi Imbriglio serving as vice presidents. Registering the Community Center as a chartered not-for-profit months prior, members of the fundraising and development sub-committee piqued donation incentive by obtaining the ICC’s 501(c) 3 designation on November 29, 2005, making all ICC contributions tax deductible and helping propel the fundraising phase to an auspicious start and attracting countless donors.

Another significant financial boost came from the Crisp Family Foundation, which announced in late September 2005 that they would match each individual donation in order to expedite the process and help see the ICC’s plans come to fruition. Foundation trustee, Peter Crisp, has often stated how immensely important the Community Center is to the island’s well-being. It has been a priority to his family to help enhance the lives of year-round residents, as well as those who wish to make Fishers Island their permanent home in the future.