Cresco Bank & Trust Commits $150,000 to Legacy Hall
Thu, 10/01/2026 - 3:00pm
admin
By:
Jessica Reis - Legacy Hall Steering Committee and Marketing Director at Cresco Bank & Trust
Legacy Hall is envisioned as a premier community gathering space designed to accommodate weddings, banquets, youth programs, trade shows, community celebrations, emergency shelter needs and other events.
CRESCO – Cresco Bank & Trust, a division of Decorah Bank & Trust, is proud to announce a commitment of $150,000 to support the construction of Legacy Hall, a new community event center planned for the Mighty Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco. The gift represents one of the project's lead investments and reflects the bank's longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities it serves.
The contribution is particularly meaningful as it honors the legacy of Donna Thomas, retired Cresco Market President at Cresco Bank & Trust, whose leadership, community involvement and dedication to Cresco and Howard County helped inspire the vision for Legacy Hall.
According to project organizers, the concept for Legacy Hall was born after Thomas selected the Howard County Fairgrounds as the focus of a community project following her retirement. What began as discussions about needed renovations to the existing Expo Center evolved into a vision for a modern, year-round event center that can serve local families, organizations, businesses and community events for generations to come.
"Donna's impact on Cresco and Howard County extends far beyond banking," said Andy Ludeking, current Market President at Cresco Bank & Trust. "Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to helping local businesses grow and supported various community organizations, all the while, building relationships that strengthened our region. This gift recognizes her remarkable legacy while helping create a space that will continue bringing people together for generations."
Legacy Hall is envisioned as a premier community gathering space designed to accommodate weddings, banquets, youth programs, trade shows, community celebrations, emergency shelter needs and other events. Plans include a banquet hall capable of hosting approximately 600 guests, along with a stage, commercial kitchen, bar area, conference space and ADA-accessible amenities. The project is a joint effort led by the Howard County Agricultural Society and a committee of community leaders, with Thomas serving as a key advocate for the initiative.
"Cresco Bank & Trust has always believed that strong communities are built through partnership, service and investment in the future," continues Ludeking. "Legacy Hall represents the kind of project that brings people together and creates lasting value for Howard County. We are honored to support this effort and to celebrate Donna's contributions through this investment."
The Legacy Hall capital campaign seeks to raise approximately $1.7 million through community contributions, grants and other funding sources. Once completed, the facility will provide a modern, versatile venue to support community activities and events throughout the year.
To learn more about or contribute to the Legacy Hall project, visit www.mhcfair.com/donate.
