The Shehadey family and Producers Dairy present a $250,000 check to the Marjaree Mason Center as part of its matching campaign through Dec. 1. Photo by Ben Hensley

With just a month until its planned opening in December, the Marjaree Mason Center is calling on the community for support after partnering with the Isnardi Foundation on a new matching-gift campaign now through Dec. 1. 

The aim is to fully fund the project to begin offering services in mid-January.

The new center will house the nonprofit organization’s 24/7 trauma center, drop-in center, non-residential survivor services, group therapy and more.

Located at 255 W. Bullard Ave., the center has undergone extensive renovations in the past year. The building formerly served as an education center, the past home to Queen of the Valley, New Life Christian School, Heald College and, most recently, The Milan Institute.

Fundraising has been underway for the last two years for the $21 million project.

Much of the funding has been raised thanks to community and corporate donations. The center will be named the Isnardi Foundation Building after the foundation that donated $3 million to the 501(C)3 organization last winter, securing the naming rights for the new building.

“I need to say a huge thank you to PG&E,” BMY Construction Chief Operating Officer Marissa Bower said during Monday’s press conference. “In my 25 years of construction I have never had someone stick with me so tight and deliver PG&E over two-weeks early; we could not be here where we are right now without them.”

The million-dollar match campaign that runs through the end of the month also received an immediate injection of funds on Monday. Producer’s Dairy owners Richard and Scott Shehadey presented the center with a $250,000 check towards the completion of the project.

“The Marjaree Mason Center’s work to empower survivors of domestic violence is deeply meaningful to us, as it helps individuals and families move from fear to safety and, ultimately, to a brighter future,” said Scott Shehadey. “With the matching opportunity in place, every gift made through Dec. 1 has the power to make an even bigger impact. Together, we can help ensure that the Marjaree Mason Center has the resources it needs to continue its life-changing work.”

The Shahadey Family and Producers Dairy have supported the center since 1993.

Naming opportunity pledges of $50,000 to $10 million are still available for the Isnardi Foundation Building. Cash gifts, securities, IRAs, real estate, life insurance, bequests or other types of planned gifts may be paid over a five-year term.

Donations are accepted through Dec. 1 by visiting the Marjaree Mason Center’s website by selecting the “Courage Takes Root” tab in the drop-down giving menu.