Salado Community Foundation is seeking donations from local businesses, residents and groups to fund the second Gateway Sign to be installed at the I-35 entrance to Salado.

In 2013, the Foundation, through donations from individuals, groups and local businesses, raised more than $20,000 for the cost of the first Gateway Sign, which will feature artwork by Glass River Design studio in Salado.

Texas Department of Transportation contacted the Salado Community Foundation in October 2013 and informed the board that it had six weeks to raise funds for the first Salado gateway sign to be placed at the south entrance of the village.

By December 10, 2013, the board raised $21,138 for the completion of that sign.

The Foundation hired Joe Price and Glass River Design to help with the project. The metal and glass art, the lettering and lighting have all been paid for, according to Foundation President Kirt Hearne.

The Village of Salado has also paid TXDOT $20,000 for the installation of the signs.

“TXDOT has had these funds in their possession for longer than two years,” Hearne added.

“The unique and artistic design of the sign beautifully showcases Salado’s sense of community, culture and creativity,” Hearne added. “All that we know Salado to be.  There will be no others like it in the state of Texas.”

Donations for the second sign will be managed by the Salado Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. Any donations made will be tax-deductible as a charitable donation.

The Foundation is reaching out to the original pledgers, many of which committed to making two donations, as well as to Salado Chamber of Commerce members and residents.

Among the first group of pledgers to the Gateway Sign were these:

Organizations: Salado Ladies Auxiliary,  Salado Tourism Council, Salado Rotary Club, Mill Creek Community Association, Robertson Colony-Salado College Foundation.

Individuals: Bryan and Eve Fritch, Jim and Carol Walls, Dale and Charlotte Douglass, Gene and Susan Terry, Drayton and Amy McLane III, Michael and Laura Novotny, Dick and Tommye Prater, Hulda Horton, Hans and Judy Fields, Mill Grimm, Mike and Margaret Williamson, Steven and Sandra Lastovica, Bobby and Mary Pechal, Merle and Karen Stalcup, Danney and Barclay McCort, Dorsey and Paulette Chandler, Michael and Darlene Walsh, C.W. and L.S. Ruth, Judge Don and Trenaise Engleking, the Honorable Fred and Jane Brown, Mary Kliewer, Curt and Carol Strong, Erin and Kim Bird, Michael and Ann Moore and Lloyd and Dena Parks,

Businesses: Salado Village Voice, Century 21 Bill Bartlett Real Estate, Horizon Bank, Charlotte’s of Salado, First State Bank-Salado, First Community Title, Anytime Fitness, Monteith Abstract and Title Company, The Range at the Barton House.

In Memoriam of Joyce Grant: Gene and Susan Terry, Danney and Barclay McCort, Harry and Mary Ann Macey Jr., George and Dorothy Dentry, New Beginnings Insurance, Hans and Judy Fields, Erin and Kim Bird, First State Bank Central Texas.