Bidwell Mansion efforts boosted

Chico’s Bidwell Mansion Community Project is inching closer to its goal of raising $100,000 by March 31. At press time, the group had $36,239.87 in the bank, according to spokeswoman Maria Phillips. A recent $5,000 donation from the Chico Area Recreation District has yet to clear the bank.

The Bidwell Mansion Association, which has long championed Chico’s favorite pink house, has also added $25,000 to the effort. The money, which has been put in a special account, will be counted by State Parks toward the BMCP’s goal of raising $100,000.

Phillips explained that her group set the $100,000 goal based on how much they estimate it will cost to run the mansion for a year. She said the donation from the BMA is a welcome addition but her group is not counting it toward the goal.