Williams Baptist University has received a $150,000 gift from Fresh Ideas. Officials with the food service provider presented the check Tuesday, Jan. 13, with the funds to go toward the planned J.E. & L.E. Mabee Wellness Center on the Williams campus.

Alanda Cantrell, Vice President of Safety & Compliance with Fresh Ideas, presented the gift to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. Also on hand for the presentation were Chef Paul Harmon and Jenny Young, who operate food services for Fresh Ideas on the WBU campus, and Dr. Pat Taylor, executive consultant at Williams.

“Fresh Ideas is a great partner with WBU, providing excellent food service for our campus, and this gift is deeply appreciated,” Norman said. “Their generosity moves us a big step closer to a facility that will afford a whole new level of wellness and recreation at Williams.”

WBU is currently raising funds toward construction of the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Wellness Center, which is planned for a site along Fulbright Avenue. The planned facility will include basketball courts, weight and fitness equipment, a gaming area, a student lounge and other amenities.

Fresh Ideas operates the Mabee-Gwinup Cafeteria and the Eagle Coffeehouse & Grill on the WBU campus. They provide food service for WBU students, as well as catering for community events.