The Los Barriles Elementary School Cafeteria Project
Posted by Ian Gibson on Sep 30, 2016
A teacher surrounded by many young students was asked who her favorite child was, and she responded with ‘over time they all are but at any particular time – the ones that need me the most.’
Over 250 children are enrolled in our Los Barriles elementary school, and the number who rely on school lunches for nourishment fluctuates. The school cafeteria had only a small kitchen, limited seating, and a shaded play area in disrepair. It has been a desire for a number of years to remodel the kitchen and eating area with the objective of improving the nourishment available for these children.
Recently we met with the school principal, elementary teachers, and the parents club, to discuss this project and we came up with a project scope. We then met with Carlos and Marta Coscetti of CMC Construction who helped us determine a target budget of $10,000. The project included building a larger kitchen area, a refrigerator, a more effective stove, and a much bigger kitchen sink – (you have to love a project that covers everything, including the kitchen sink). The plans also called for installing a new shaded area, the dirt area to be covered in concrete.
Chris Geyer, Club Rotario de Los Barriles member and Past President, met with Susan and Tim Madden co-founders of a non-profit organization in Oakhurst, California, “Be the Power of One”, who after learning the details of our cafeteria remodel, decided to support our project with a fundraiser that raised $3,000 for this cause. On top of this, additional funds were provided by the Oakhurst Morning Rotary Club ($1,500) and the Oakhurst Noon Club ($1,500).
With $6,000 coming our way, we then asked Carlos what we could accomplish toward the project goal and the Coscetti family surprised us with the generous response of offering to complete the project with for the lesser amount donating their time and asking their business partners to also make contributions. The project is near completion and looks awesome! Albert Coscetti and his team have done a fantastic job! The old kitchen area has been removed and replaced. From the ground up there is a new kitchen including – of course the kitchen sink. And it also has beautiful granite counter!
Typical with project like this, we started somewhat later than we wanted… But we are very happy with how it is turning out. At this point the kitchen is largely completed. The appliances should be coming in within the next week or two, and at that time the kitchen will be fully functioning. Then work will halt until there is a break in school to allow us to finish items including the shade structure.
Our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed with their donated time, money, and materials for this project.