YouTube, the online video site, revolutionized U.S. presidential debates this summer by using Internet technology to bring voters and candidates closer together. Now, Alternatives, a nonprofit organization in the Blackstone Valley, is transforming its fundraising by using online video to raise the last $600,000 needed to achieve its $4.2 million capital campaign goal to complete the renovation of the original Paul Whitin Mill.

The Whitin Mill project will turn an out-of-work mill into an inclusive community treasure, featuring a theater, restaurant, riverfront plaza, artisan studios and an employment program and affordable apartments for people served by the organization. The complex also features cutting-edge green technology through hydro, solar and geothermal renewable energy sources.

The movie, viewable on Alternatives’ website, highlights the organization’s mission, the Whitin Mill renovation project, and also provides a link to “Help Pave the Way!” This is an opportunity for the community to become personally involved in the project by purchasing an engraved paver stone that will be placed within the riverside community plaza. By having a favorite quote, family or business name inscribed on a paver stone, people will be supporting the Whitin Mill project while leaving a legacy for generations to come.

Historian Don Gosselin was the first individual to buy a tax deductible paver. “We added it up and discovered that between my family and my wife’s family,” says Gosselin, “we have over 250 years of service in The Shop. This is a terrific opportunity to honor their memory and the Whitin name.”
Recently the Northbridge High School class of 1957 held their 50th reunion. There were forty-four people in attendance, some from as far away as Florida. As part of the celebration they toured the complex they knew as the Spinning Ring Shop. Walter Convent, speaking for the Reunion Committee said when buying their paver, “Everyone was very impressed with the history of the complex and the important work being done there. Our committee voted unanimously to purchase a paver with ‘Class of 1957’ engraved on it.”

“Using this new video, email, banners, and special inserts are just some of the ways we’re getting the word out about the ‘Help Pave the Way’ campaign,” said Lee Gaudette, volunteer campaign chair. “We need community involvement and support to complete this exciting project that the entire region will enjoy.”

Alternatives is a non-profit agency serving more than 550 adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in 45 programs throughout central Massachusetts. To see the movie, visit www.alternativesnet.org and click on Building the Dream.