BUCKHANNON — The Stockert Youth and Community Center staff and city officials had been hoping tonight’s elimination dinner would push their capital campaign over the $200,000 mark.

Instead, a generous donation from Buckhannon Toyota and the Minsker family did the job — and then some — earlier in the day.

Owner Jason Minsker and general manager Kip Cottrill on Friday morning delivered a $20,000 check to SYCC executive director Debora Brockleman and mayor David McCauley.

McCauley said that to his knowledge, Buckhannon Toyota’s contribution is the largest single donation the city — or any of its entities — has ever received. SYCC operates under the umbrella of the city, and is currently raising money to build an expanded gymnasium/multi-use facility.

City councilman David Thomas and Upshur County Commissioner Troy A. “Buddy” Brady, who serves on the SYCC board of directors, were also on hand for the donation.

Minsker said he believed the gymnasium expansion project was well worth it.

“The building of the gym and giving to the youth of Upshur County is important because they need to be able to play sports and have something to do,” he said. “It was very important, and the Stockert Youth Center is the biggest supporter of that for the entire community.”

“When they told me about this, I thought it would be a worthy cause,” Minsker added.

Ahead of tonight’s elimination dinner at the Event Center at Brushy Fork, McCauley expressed his gratitude to the Minskers and the dealership.

“We want to thank Buckhannon Toyota and the Minsker family for their very generous contribution to our Stockert capital campaign,” he said.

McCauley said he believes the SYCC capital campaign will have amassed $230,000 by the time the elimination dinner is over.

Reaching the $200,000 mark has been an important goal. That’s because raising at least half of the $400,000 needed to fund the project will make the city increasingly likely to receive future grants.