Open House

We decided to hold our Open House on Friday November 20th because we knew Downtown Alton would be bustling with people for the Taste of Alton and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. So we rallied our troops to pull off a last minute event.

We thought it would be a nice opportunity to introduce the greater community to our project. A chance for them to take a tour of the building as it sits – basically pre-construction, looking much like a bank and office space. A night to experience a glimpse of the fun to be had, and in the end to realize how much of a transformation this project is going to be.


Signs were made to guide the visitors through the three floors and explain what was in the works – which spaces would house which activities and which sponsors were making each area possible.


Even though the main area of the Community Center will eventually be a dance floor and stage for bands or DJs, we filled it with gaming stations: Pop-a-Shot, Darts, Wiis, Xbox, Playstation 3, Foosball, ping pong, Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk skateboard and more! Special thanks to Alton Memorial Hospital for making such a generous donation of all the video game consoles. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the games and activities!


The event was a success with about 300 people showing up for a tour or to just browse and play games with other youths and their parents. It was a perfectly wonderful family atmosphere.

The Center raffled off 2 Tony Hawk skateboard games for Wii and Xbox - our winners were Brayden Favilla and Michael Crain. Our raffle, 50/50 and sales of soda and hot cocoa made enough to cover the raffle prizes.

We were all quite happy with the turnout at the Open House. We were able to inform more people about the Center than we have been able to through word of mouth and the website content we try to push.

Please help us continue to spread the word on this Center – If we can gather more interest and support the community can develop the Center into one of the best alternatives for our local teens to spend their free time.