Esposito: History is being made. Will you be a part of it?

A nine-year journey, starting with the three-year effort to get Fountain Hills designated as an International Dark Sky Community, has finally led to the April 8 groundbreaking ceremony for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, an amazing and unique 23,000-square-foot STEM science facility.

Over a thousand people attended this amazing event.  We had representatives from the offices of Senator Kelly, Senator Sinema, Governor Hobbs and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.  Particularly memorable were the comments from Mayor Dickey, State Senator John Kavanagh, ASU President Michael Crow, and three Fountain Hills School District students.

Other highlights included the blessing of the ground by Yavapai Nation elder Raphael Bear and viewing the solar eclipse live on a large monitor.

We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of over 350 private donors. The $19M we have raised so far has gotten us close enough to our $25M goal to warrant our groundbreaking. However, with the groundbreaking, the need to raise the additional $6M in a timely manner is amplified. We need the support of everyone. Can you help?

Donations can be made starting with joining our Mission Crew. At the next level, consider a Directed Gift for a specific area or function of the building. For those who truly want to mark their legacy, naming rights are available for major venues such as the observatory, science exhibit area or theater. It is all appreciated. Go to our website, DarkSkyCenter.org, for details.

While visiting the website, I encourage you to sign up for our email update. Just click on the contact tab. Join our 1,200 subscribers and stay tuned to the excitement as construction begins. We look forward to having you as part of the crew!

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.