The Salem Foundation is in the midst of raising funds for a new Cottonwood East Dining Room.

Foundation Chair Arlen Hildebrand said the need for this project is because more residents are using wheelchairs, which is making it hard to maneuver around the current area for residents and staff.

"The project has been on our radar for a number of years, especially with the anticipation of the new build," said Hildebrand. "It was something we thought we needed to get moving on before we had any approval on the new build, because of the space required."

To kick off the fundraising goal for the project, Hildebrand said the Foundation and Ladies Auxiliary will host the 'Building For Tomorrow' fundraising dinner November 2nd. This will be a sort of 'awareness' kick off fundraiser for this project.

The proceeds of this event will help cover the expected roughly $400,000 cost of this new dining facility noted Hildebrand. He added the community has been tremendous is supporting these type of projects for Salem over the years.

The 'Building for Tomorrow' will feature guest speaker, Marie Monville, who is the author of "One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond the Shadow of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting."

A conceptual drawing of the planned Cottonwood east dining room