The Dream is now Reality!
By Judy Blase Woodruff
The dream was to build a staff home that would accommodate full-time staff in a comfortable, safe, appealing space that would help attract top-notched employees to serve the constituents of Camp Ondessonk. At the time, staff housing was sub-par, with most of the residences built more than 30 years ago, and some as old as 50 years. Camp was in desperate need of a place where staff could relax, rejuvenate, and carry on the rich traditions for which Ondessonk has been known for more than 60 years.
A plan to raise the funds for a duplex was approved by then Bishop Braxton, and a fundraising campaign for the duplex began. Very quickly, prospective donors supported the project. After COVID hit, the projected cost of $240,000 to build the duplex quickly increased to $390,000! Thanks to the generosity of many Camp Friends, we are very close to raising the total amount needed to complete the project. The only things left to do are to seed the yard and pour concrete for a patio and sidewalks (this will be done in spring after the excavated ground around the duplex has had a chance to settle).
Going back to Spring 2020, site preparation occurred. Once that was completed, there was a long delay in beginning the building because of a permitting process with the Illinois Department of Public Health. After some time, with that hurdle out of the way, the Maintenance crew along with volunteers began digging and pouring footings.
Groundbreaking was held April 9, 2022, and the duplex was named in honor of long-time volunteer and Camp Friend, Pete Korte.
After many hours of work from volunteers, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. employees, and Camp’s hard-working Maintenance crew, the building of Pete Korte Lodge was completed November 2, 2024.
A Dedication and Open House was held that same day, and more than 50 Korte Family Members, Volunteers who worked on the building, Camp Staff, and Friends assembled to see the finished product. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to walk through and experience this first-class home.
Immediately after the Open House, Monsignor Joe Lawler held Mass in the Pete Korte Lodge and blessed the building for those who will call it home right now and in the future.
A week or so after the dedication, several of the full-time staff began moving their belongings into the duplex. The male staff moved in first, and they reside in the south side (left side as you look at the duplex) and the female staff will live in the north side (right side). These staff members are very excited to live in this brand-new home!
After five years and thousands of hours of work, Camp Ondessonk can boast a state-of-the-art home that houses eight full-time staff. This long-awaited project is now complete thanks to so many individuals, donors, trades professionals, and businesses. Their participation and hard work have made the dream come true! Thank you!
Click here to learn more about volunteering at Camp Ondessonk.