DEL MAR — Friends of the Powerhouse held what could be its final fundraiser for the city’s new beach safety center and lifeguard station Aug. 3 at En Fuego Cantina & Grill.
Billed as a Midsummer Night of Fun and Frivolity, the sold-out event featured a buffet dinner, live and silent auctions and a 50/50 raffle. There were 150 $50 tickets available.
Friends of the Powerhouse partnered with the city to replace the antiquated, degrading lifeguard station that was built in 1964.
The existing building has a cramped area that doubles as an administrative meeting room and a first aid station, a shower and locker room used by men and women and a restroom that is not compliant with federal disability laws.
Construction is expected to begin this fall on a 2,644-square-foot facility that will feature a 753-square-foot lifeguard space, administrative offices, new restrooms and a garage area.
Total project cost is estimated to be between $2.7 million and $3 million. Friends of the Powerhouse held a variety of annual fundraisers for the new facility.
In January, Friends of the Powerhouse presented the city with a $160,000 check for the project that included $35,000 raised last year at the En Fuego event. Overall the group has raised more than $500,000.
Funding for the 17th Street beach safety center got a major boost from last year’s $4.4 million sale of a city-owned lot on Balboa Avenue. Most of that money was used to retire the debt on the Shores property the city purchased in 2008. But about $500,000 was earmarked after the sale for the new lifeguard tower.
The organization also offers Power-to-the-Tower bricks and accepts cash donations. Visit friendsofthepowerhouse.org for more information.
The Del Mar Foundation recently announced it would match dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, every donation made by the community. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
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