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Nearly two years old, the Adopt-a-Brick program is still going strong, with about one brick sold every day.
But there are still 3,500 more bricks that need to be sold.
The program was launched in September 1997 as a way to help fund the $305,000 Ontario Community Bandstand project in downtown Ontario. The bandstand was completed in October 1997.
Residents and businesses could have their names engraved on bricks to be placed around the bandstand and seating area.
So far, the Ontario Noon Kiwanis Club - the group that spearheaded the bandstand project - has sold 2,500 of the 6,000 bricks available.
Businesses and organizations have bought bricks, including the Soroptimist and Lions clubs. So have school districts and schools, including Chaffey High School, Euclid Elementary School and De Anza Middle School.
"It's a real community effort," said Ontario Councilman and Kiwanis Club member Jerry DuBois, who came up with the idea to build a replica of the original bandstand.
Major project contributors are listed on tiles in front of the steps of the facility, DuBois said.
Many have purchased bricks in memory of loved ones. Others have bought bricks in their pets' names or to make a statement.
Ontario Fire Chief Fred Nelsen has a brick for himself and his wife, Rita Ramirez-Nelsen. There are also bricks for each one of their children and spouses. Together the couple have seven children.
Nelsen is not done yet. He plans to buy bricks for each of his nine grandchildren. That would make it a total of 17 bricks representing the Nelsen and Ramirez families.
"It's just my little way of supporting the club's efforts," said Nelsen, a Kiwanis member.
Nelsen's engraved name can also be found in another section - the one designated to recognize Ontario's fire chiefs from the 1800s to the present time.
There are also dedicated areas for retired police officers and firefighters. In addition, each of the eight replicas of turn-of-the-century, four-globe lampposts which line the walkway around the bandstand were bought by an organization, business or individual, DuBois said. Each carries a bronze placque with the donor's name.
Since the program began, there has been a steady stream of buyers, typically one-to-three a day, DuBois said.
Cost is $30 for 14 or less engraved letters; $35 for 14 to 28 letters and $40 for 28 to 40 letters.
Donors can choose where they want their bricks placed. It typically takes two to three weeks for installation, although sometimes it might take a little longer because placement must be done in groups of 25.
Proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club, which turns them over to the city's Downtown Beautification Fund. The special fund helped pay for the construction of the bandstand, DuBois said.
Information: 984-2727.
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