Madison - Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced today that Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman are donating a $2 million lead gift to support construction of the new Atwood Community Center. In honor of the gift, the facility will be renamed the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Community Center.

"The Goodman brothers have done it again," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "Their generosity has already helped Madison build its first public pool after 60 years of debate. This time, they are going to help build a new community center that will be an invaluable resource for Madison children and their families. The Goodman brothers are helping Madison build strong families and strong neighborhoods."

The Atwood Community Center is a 53 year-old agency that operates out of three older buildings. The new project will allow consolidation into a single facility which will enhance the services the facility is able to provide. In 2006, some 14,000 people made use of the Center, for programs ranging from pre-school, to youth mentoring, to services targeted at older adults.

The Goodman brothers were unable to attend the announcement due to health reasons, but provided a letter which read in part, "We are pleased to join Mayor Cieslewicz in supporting his vision for a better Madison for all our citizens. We are impressed with the programs and services provided by the Atwood Community Center ... It is a true privilege to be able to support the wonderful programs and services of the Atwood Community Center. It is a privilege to be members of this very special community, and we are thankful that we have the opportunity to both live in Madison and to be able to support a better future for all of our community."

Announcement of the Goodman brothers' gift kicks off the public fundraising campaign for the Atwood Community Center. With today's gift, a total of $10 million has been secured through diverse fundraising efforts and building equity. This leaves $2.2 million remaining to reach the fundraising goal. The mayor has pledged $100,000 for planning and $1.2 million for construction from the City of Madison.

Mary Lang Sollinger, Chair of the Center's One Family Campaign is thrilled about the news, "As a longtime advocate for State Street, I've known and admired the Goodmans for many, many years. More recently, I've gotten to know the Atwood Community Center as I've helped raise support for their exciting new home - I've seen the positive impact they make on our community. This is a perfect marriage between one of Madison's great non-profits and two of the most respected and well-loved gentlemen in Madison. What a great gift to our community."

For more information about this project or to make a donation, please contact Becky Steinhoff, the Executive Director at 241-1574, ext. 10 or becky@atwoodcc.org.