Thank you to our community partners, individual supporters, servant leaders, and the City of Cedar Springs for teaming together to make Cedar Springs amazing for all.

We also appreciate the Cedar Springs Library Board and Solon Township for their support. Working together, we will continue to add community enhancements!

Please join us on June 18, 2025 at 6:30 pm in front of the library on the corner of Main and Maple Steet. Hope to see you there with your family and friends!

Below, you will find photos from the Gala and updates on the project’s progress. The cement has been poured, and stonework is coming soon! Our beautiful sculpture of the little girl and the wise owl are already in place, adding a special touch to the area.

Thank you for your ongoing support! If you'd like to get involved, please reach out to us. A donation of skills, in-kind work, honor donations, or other is welcomed!

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

CBDT Informational Brochure -Oct2024

On the evening of September 21, 2024, the Cedar Springs community came together in an inspiring show of unity and gratitude. It was a night filled with joy and appreciation. One part of the night allowed guests to honor people, organizations, non-profits, and businesses who have had a positive impact on lives in Cedar Springs with their kindness, service, and dedication. These honorees have touched lives, fostered connection, and worked tirelessly to make our community stronger and brighter.

The CBDT Gala honorees listed below have left, and continue to leave, a lasting legacy.

Amy Hall

Audrey and Larry Young

Carol Hordyk

Carolee Cole

Cedar Springs Public Schools

Chuck and Tonnie Smith

The City of Cedar Springs

Coach Al Neilsen

Creative Technologies Academy

CS Rotary Club

Dave Schlump

Dean and Kristie Wall

Deborah Hamilton

Dorthy Bishop

Duane and Deb McIntyre

Duane and Lexie Coxon

Elwood and Lois Larsen

EnGedi

Fred and Carollee Gunnell

Herb Welch

Janis and Ivan Opperman

Jerry Hall

Jim Charon

Jodi Coxon

Joellen and Rick Yokom

June Mabie

Kelli and Tony Bowling

Lila and Daniel Hodges

Linda Hunt

Marge Clark

Meijer - Larry Lavine

Mike and Alice Holten

Perry Hopkins

The Red Flannel Festival

Retirees of Cedar Springs Public Schools

Ronnie & Shirley Merlington

Rose Powell

Russ Durst

Shaner Avenue Nursery

Shirley Hegedus

Steve Horowitz

Sue and Tim Wolfe

Tami and Mike Link

Tena and Mike Hoxie

The CS Fire Department

The Hamilton/Spahr Family

The Mabie Family

The Mighty Trio- Linda Hunt, Pat Capek, Dorthy Bishop

The Swanlund Family

Tom and Nancy Noreen

In recognition of their positive influence, each honoree was celebrated with a heartfelt donation toward the current CBDT project: The front of the CS Library area where the previous fire station resided. The library is a symbol of how, together, we can create spaces that reflect the values of learning, growth, and togetherness. The CS Community library is more than just a building; it's a beacon for our town’s future.

These honor donations are a testament to the power of community, where every action, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good. Join us in honoring these incredible individuals and groups who embody the very soul of Cedar Springs—making it a place where heart and community are always at the forefront.

If you would like to honor a person, non-profit, business, or church with a donation to the CBDT project, it will help us reach our goal. Please feel free to drop a check off to Independent Bank in Cedar Springs, mail a check to CBDT, P.O. Box 17, Cedar Springs, MI 49319, or use the QR code below. We will mail a recognition card to the ones honored or their family if in memoriam.

On September 21, the Cedar Springs community gathered for the highly anticipated CBDT Gala Fundraiser—a remarkable evening of unity, generosity, and celebration! From start to finish, the night was filled with laughter, meaningful connections, and a powerful spirit of giving. The warmth and support from everyone, both in attendance and in spirit, truly embodied the heart of Cedar Springs. It was inspiring to witness the dedication to creating spaces that will enrich our community for generations to come.

The evening kicked off with warm welcomes from Sue Spahr and Perry Hopkins, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support our community has received over the years. Sue Wolfe followed with captivating stories about Cedar Springs' rich history, reminding us of the hard work, passion, and nearly $3 million previously raised in donations that have laid the foundation for the heart of Cedar Springs—a legacy we continue to build for future generations.

Next, Duane McIntyre took the stage to unveil the exciting design plans for our latest project: the transformation of the space in front of the Cedar Springs Library, situated on the footprint of the former fire station. This new area will feature lush greenery, vibrant art installations, a soothing water feature, cozy benches for reflection and connection, and much-needed additional parking. This project has been a collaborative effort with the library board, the City of Cedar Springs, Solon Township, and countless community organizations, businesses, and individuals.

During a poignant moment, guests were invited to reflect on the people, organizations, and businesses in Cedar Springs that have positively impacted their lives. In a heartfelt gesture, attendees were encouraged to make Honor Donations, recognizing those who have made a difference. Over 40 honorees were celebrated, and more than $6,000 was raised in this touching tribute! The room buzzed with shared stories about the past and present individuals who have made Cedar Springs a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.

A special thank you goes out to our fantastic auctioneer, Don Carlson! In his fun, energetic style, Don kept the crowd laughing, motivated, and even playfully guilted into giving generously. With his humor and charm, he encouraged guests to dig deep, leading to an evening full of laughter, dancing, and enthusiastic bidding. Thanks to everyone's generosity, the fundraiser reached an astounding $74,600.

We’d also like to express our gratitude to Kelly's Restaurant for providing the delicious appetizers that kept everyone energized throughout the night, and to the American Legion Glen Post 287 for offering the perfect venue for the event. A special thank you goes to Jodi Coxon for her exceptional work in organizing and planning this unforgettable evening!

Because of the generous donations and hard work of everyone involved, this new community space will soon become another beautiful, functional spot for connection, reflection, and joy. This project is a testament to the strength and generosity of our community. We are excited to see how it will bring people together for years to come.

While we've already made incredible progress, we’re still $45,000 away from our fundraising goal. If you’ve been inspired and would like to make an Honor Donation or a regular contribution to the Cedar Springs CBDT, please reach out to any board member or drop off a check at Independent Bank, made payable to the CBDT. For our tech-savvy donors, a QR code is included below for easy online giving!

Together, let’s continue building the future of Cedar Springs!

We need you! Our registration for the Gala to raise funds for the front of the library is low. Would you please think about how you might help get folks to the Gala, or to encourage donations if they will not be able to attend. It will be a fun night.

Come as you are and celebrate all we have done and are doing together to add beauty and enjoyment to our common spaces in the Heart. Bringing people together is our vision!

You may pay at the door- $30. Bring friends and neighbors! The evening will include the opportunity to pledge support to parts of the draft design. It will also allow a time for folks to donate in honor of special community members or businesses that have made Cedar Springs an amazing place to live, work, and grow! Who has made your life in Cedar Springs better?

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/QCDHJ8VL6DNGJ 

Donation checks for those not able to attend can be made out to the CBDT and mailed or dropped off to Choice One Bank, Ensley Real Estate, Independent Bank, or Perry’s Place.

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On September 21, 2024 our evening will include socializing with all of the great folks in our community, enjoying some wonderful appetizers, and engaging in fun fundraising activities to support the final touches on the library and parking area.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Click the link below to register or to donate if you cannot attend. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/QCDHJ8VL6DNGJ 

The following local Cedar Springs Businesses will also register you for the gala event:

Choice One Bank, Perry’s Place, and Independent Bank.

Ask friends, business partners, and any others that desire to connect with our community! Thank you for your support.

The following local Cedar Springs Businesses will also register you for the gala event:

Choice One Bank, Perry’s Place, and Independent Bank

Press Release: Cedar Springs Library and Park Enhancement Continues

The Community Building Development Team (CBDT) has been working in cooperation with the City of Cedar Springs to create a unique and beautiful design for the vacant land in front of the library where the previous fire station was located. Final details on the exact design for the area in front of the library are still being developed and will be unveiled on Saturday evening, September 21 at the “Making a Splash at the Heart” gala at the American Legion in downtown Cedar Springs. Desired features for the area include a flowing water feature, seating, sculptures, trees, shrubs, flowers, and additional parking.

The designs for this area will align the rich history as an intersection for two train lines that ran east/west and north/south through town. It will also include cedar trees and a water feature to highlight our namesake. The Heart Park amphitheater bears the Fishing Line train logo in its front peak. The CS Library was designed like the original train depot.  Roof lines and colors allow the two structures to flow together in making the Heart of Cedar Springs Park an open and accessible area for community enrichment and enjoyment. Maple trees have been planted along Maple Street and throughout the border of the park with numerous personalized benches. The metal arched Larson Bridge allows a beautiful view of the creek. Many special events are scheduled throughout the summer in the Heart of Cedar Springs Park including the city-sponsored free music events each Wednesday evening.

“The designers are working to create and exciting entrance to our community library and park that showcases our history. The greater Cedar Springs community has been very generous and supportive. Residents, organizations, and business owners donated close to $3 million dollars in funds and/or services to allow for all the past projects. Each project has been “paid-in-full” with no tax dollars used. This includes the purchase of property, construction and expanded development of the library and amphitheater, paved walking trails, butterfly and natural gardens, sculptures, clock towers, bridges, an enhanced community park, and parking lots along both Maple and Pine Streets. It is truly a remarkable accomplishment. We believe our community will come together, once again, to complete another amazing chapter at the library,” explained Duane McIntyre, CBDT board member and project leader.

The estimated cost for this project will be $100,000. The CBDT will provide various opportunities for all to get involved. Once again, our goal is to pay all expenses. Tickets to the gala will be available online at the new CBDT website at

Cedar Springs Community Building Development Team (CBDT)

CBDT exists to advance the construction of buildings and spaces where the greater Cedar Springs community can gather for cultural, educational, recreational, commercial and family/community events. Subscribe for FREE email updates on community projects.

By Cedar Springs CBDT

or through many of the local businesses soon. You can also email Sue Wolfe at CSCBDTSecretary@gmail.com. Be sure to secure your seat or table as there is limited space.  This gala will be a fun evening of community celebration, excitement, and gracious giving. Pledges toward the project are treasured.

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Original copies maintained by the CBDT in digital and physical formats

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