By John Johnston
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on Thursday announced a $1.5 million challenge grant from an anonymous donor.

The donor will match, dollar for dollar, gifts made by community members to the Freedom Center's capital campaign, up to $1.5 million. The deadline is Sept. 30. The entire amount need not be raised for the match to kick in.

"We expect those nickels, dimes, dollars and $20 bills to come flowing in," said Ed Rigaud, Freedom Center president.

Groundbreaking at the riverfront complex was a year ago this week. "We remain on budget and on time," Rigaud said. Construction is 35 percent complete. A summer 2004 opening is planned.

Thursday's announcement was made against a backdrop of workers from Rock Masters, of Lincoln Heights, installing travertine stone on the Freedom Center's east face. Officials said they hope the challenge grant continues the momentum of the past year, which included:

• Donations of $15 million.

• Completion by Hamilton County of the two-level parking garage on which the Freedom Center sits. The garage will open next month.

Contributions can be made online at www.undergroundrailroad.org; by mail at Freedom Center Challenge, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202, or by calling Sarah Dirr, development director, at 412-6905.

E-mail jjohnston@enquirer.com