As of Sept. 30, 2012, fundraising efforts to support the University Campus in Payson reached $120,000, toward the goal of $375,000, according to the Rim Country Educational Foundation (RCEF). The funds will be used to complete pre-development costs which include environmental studies and assessments required before 253 acres of Forest Service land can be purchased by the Rim Country Educational Alliance (RCEA). This land will be the site where the RCEA will build the university campus, research park, conference center, and other facilities in Payson. RCEA is the Separate Legal Entity formed to contract with a developer to build the campus and negotiate with higher education and research park partners.
These pre-development costs will eventually be reimbursed by the developer of the University campus and the $375,000 and all other funds raised will then be re-directed to scholarships for Rim Country youth. Donations, therefore, help secure land for the campus in the short term and later provide important long-term scholarship support to local students when the campus is completed, making each donation a 2 for 1 value.
Tax deductible donations can be sent to Rim Country Education Foundation, 308 East Aero Drive, Payson, Arizona 85541. For additional information, contact Richard Johnson, Treasurer of RCEF and Chairman of the Volunteer Fundraising Committee, at 928-468-6043 , or rbjohnson91@gmail.com