A fundraising campaign to open city pools this summer has raised $113,683 - roughly one-tenth of what officials want to generate by next month.
The Save Mart Save Our Pools campaign has been in action since mid-February and lasts through April 10. Save Mart is matching donations up to $500,000 and city leaders are hopeful the campaign will generate at least $1 million.
City officials are hoping fundraising kicks up in the coming weeks.
In an email to constituents, Councilman Jay Schenirer wrote "at the current (fundraising) pace, the city would be able to open only one pool." If $1 million is raised, city officials said they would be able to open six of the city's 12 pools this summer.
Many of those pools have been closed in recent years, as cutbacks have decimated the budget of the city's parks department.
Save Mart officials are asking businesses to step into the campaign.
"We need fellow Sacramento area businesses to step up with additional large donations that can help maximize the matching funds we have committed," said Steve Junqueiro, president and COO of Save Mart.
Donations to can be made at Save Mart stores or by texting POOLS to 80888. Save Mart will also donate $5 for every "like" received on its Facebook page.
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