The donor, who has already contributed significant funds to the ARC, said that from April 1 he would match all cash donations received until June 30.

Fundraising committee member Linda Carroll said the committee was blown away by the man's generosity.

"This is such a generous offer and it has raised the incentive for us to keep going, harder than ever, to get those last few dollars," she said.

The committee urged clubs and individuals who have been thinking about donating to do so now.

Ms Carroll said the committee still needed $65,000 to meet its $300,000 target. All donations are tax deductible.

It has been proposed that the ARC plans, originally valued at $2.44 million, be extended to enable the tiered-seating facility to cater for 250, increase amenities and add separate change rooms and umpires room. This proposal

would cost an extra $287,000.

Hepburn Shire Council's director of infrastructure and development Rod Conway said there would have to be very competitive tenders received to reduce the shortfall.

He said the project was important for the community, but was an expensive one.

"We need to go out to tender, assess the tender and make sure it reaches our budget requirements," he said.

"There is $15,000 inflation in building costs per month because of the size of the project. We need to move forward and go back to the tender instead of re-working and fine-tuning plans."

The council's deputy mayor Bill McClenagan said the fundraising committee needed community support because the council would not put more money into the project.

To keep the fundraising activities moving along, a jumble sale has been planned for Saturday, May 6, at the Daylesford Town Hall.

"While we already have a small stockpile of items ready for sale, donations of saleable items are being sought from the community," Ms Carroll said.

Items will be auctioned in the style of a clearing sale.

The Daylesford Rotary paver promotion is coming to a close.

People wanting to donate items can contact Ralph Manno on 5348 1333 or Linda Carroll on 5348 2691.