There's Less Than a Month Left in the Put the Scenic Back in Sorosis Fundraiser
There’s just one month and $147,000 to go to put the scenic back in Sorosis!
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, August 8, 2023– The Put the Scenic Back in Sorosis fundraiser led by Annette Beyers, has successfully raised over $200,000, of their $347,000 fundraising goal. With less than a month left in the fundraiser, the park still needs to raise some $142-$147k to push phase one of the park's rehabilitation project over the finish line.
“The community support has been overwhelming. Every donation counts, that’s how we’ll reach this goal to finish phase one of Sorosis Park rehabilitation,” said Annette Beyers, brimming with gratitude for the outpouring of generosity.
The fundraising committee has also come up with a heartfelt way to honor donors who contribute $5,000 or more. There are now plans to put a commemorative donor board at the soon-to-be-constructed pavilion, which will proudly display the names of these valued contributors. Donors will also have the option to make their contributions in memory of or in honor of someone special, with the chosen names beautifully memorialized on the plaque.
“People have been so incredibly generous and we want to honor them in a way that everyone can see,” expressed Beyers, her dedication to recognizing the community's support shining through.
All donations to the fundraiser are tax-deductible, offering an added incentive for contributors to rally behind the park's restoration.
As the fundraising efforts continue to gain momentum, the committee plans to set up a dedicated table at the forthcoming "Cruise the Gorge Car Show in the Shade" event on August 12th. This will provide an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about the project, contribute, and get involved in revitalizing this cherished green space.
Phase One of the Sorosis Park rehabilitation project has already seen significant progress with the successful fundraising of $1.02 million for irrigation improvements, including a new pump, and some tree plantings and bark chips. Though some of the trees planted during Phase One did not thrive, the committee is dedicated to replanting them to ensure the park flourishes once more.
Thanks to the community's generous contributions, the committee aims to complete the fundraising by August 31st in order to get a head start on a fall planting of trees. And begin the construction of an ADA accessible gazebo pavilion, strategically positioned behind the rose garden. The pavilion, designed to be ground-level, will offer picturesque views of Mount Adams, making it an ideal space for small gatherings and community events, all while ensuring inclusivity with easy access for everyone.
The park's walking trails are also set to undergo improvements, with resurfacing plans to replace the existing wood chips with a more suitable material, and address steep sections and hazardous areas caused by tree roots.
Byers and the committee recognize the importance of forward-thinking and planning to maintain the park's appeal and historical significance for future generations. The committe hopes to also do a round of funding in the future to pay for the replacement of aging play park structures and the installation of a plaque or sign detailing the park's name and history. "Sorosis" translates to "sisterhood," akin to a sorority, and the park is named after the Sorosis Club, the first all-women club in America, with a chapter starting in The Dalles in April 1902. The club's legacy includes public service, preservation efforts for Sorosis Park, saving the Historical Surgeon's Quarters from demolition, and community clean-ups.
As the "Put the Scenic Back in Sorosis Park" Fundraiser forges ahead, Annette Byers and her team of dedicated volunteers invite community members to contribute and actively participate in breathing new life into this cherished landmark and ensure Sorosis Park thrives as a place of natural beauty, celebration, and connection for generations to come.
To donate to the fundraiser please visit NWPRD.org.
