This Used to Be the Center of Eltopia.

We're Making Sure It Still Is.

THE STORY

This building used to be the center of Eltopia. We want to preserve its history while we build its future.

It was built around 1917 — back when this community was still finding its footing. In 1934, a fire broke out in the gym one Friday night and nearly took it. They rebuilt it anyway because a town needs its center.

It stayed open for decades — classrooms full, a community gathered around it — until the mid-60s when it finally closed its doors. Not from failure. From growth. It gave everything it had.

After that, it passed through many hands, each one leaving their mark. Each one part of the story.

Then it found us.

"We weren't looking for a project. We were handed a vision."

My husband Marc and I, along with our kids, have been showing up week after week — hauling debris, stripping walls, making decisions nobody teaches you how to make. We are in the thick of it with a county process and obtaining a new septic system. We finally broke ground, and we aren’t stopping.

What's it becoming? A destination. A gathering place. Something this community can be proud of, return to, and call its own — for generations.

At the same time, our home ❤️

We're not pulling back the curtain all the way just yet. But when the doors open, you'll understand exactly why we said yes.

WHY WE'RE ASKING

We've had so many people ask: "How can I be a part of this?" "Where do I donate?"

This is how.

This GoFundMe will run alongside community events throughout the year — yard sales, BBQs, and local gatherings where you can see the progress in person. There's also a donation box on-site and Venmo available if GoFundMe isn't your thing.

Every dollar goes directly into the building. Materials. Restoration. The unglamorous work that makes the visible work possible. Nothing is wasted. Everything moves us forward.

WHAT YOU GET FOR BEING HERE EARLY

This isn't charity. This is community. And everyone who shows up early gets recognized for it.

Your Name on Our Donor Wall

Permanently displayed inside the restored building.

Founding Member Status

You were here before the doors opened.

Invitation to Our Exclusive Founding Event

Before we open to the public, we're celebrating the people who made it possible.

You'll watch this building come to life in real time. And you'll know you were part of it from the start.

JOIN US

This is bigger than a building. It's about what a community decides to hold onto — and what it chooses to build together.

We're already moving. The work is happening. The story is being written right now.

We'd love for you to be in it.

No donation is too small. Whether it's $5 or $500 — you're part of this now.

Thank you for seeing what we see in this place.

— Cheyenna, Marc & the Anderson family

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Donation box on-site

Venmo: @soultosale