Museum fund-raiser brings in over $320,000

The High Desert Museum’s 25th Annual Rendezvous netted more than $322,000, the highest amount in several years.

“We’re thrilled that the Rendezvous was such a big success, and we owe many thanks to our sponsors and donors. We greatly appreciate their generosity,” said Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, PhD.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, held in late August, will go toward supporting the Museum’s educational mission.

The Museum served more than 12,000 school program participants last year with education about natural history, wildlife, fire ecology, geology, watershed, culture and history.

“Our ultimate goal is to make our educational programs accessible to all,” Vihstadt said. “Our community is so fortunate to have a world-class museum and education is at the heart of everything we do.”

Vihstadt said several factors contributed to the success this year’s fundraiser: “The fact that it was the event’s Silver Anniversary helped bring back some of our long-time supporters from out of the area. Then there’s the overall optimism about our economy. I think people can feel real momentum building.

“And finally, we had a very active and engaged title sponsor in Bank of the Cascades. That was a tremendous partnership.”

“Bank of the Cascades focuses on giving back to the community, and The High Desert Museum offers so much”, said Julie Miller, Executive Vice President at Bank of the Cascades. “We’re proud to have sponsored the High Desert Rendezvous this year. It’s a natural fit for us.”

The High Desert Museum is continuing its fundraising efforts with a Fall Harvest Dinner and silent auction on October 4th. The four-course menu will be created by Chef TR McCrystal of Jen’s Garden in Sisters and will feature ingredients from the farms and ranches featured in the exhibit Painting Oregon’s Harvest: The Art of Kathy Deggendorfer. The artist will be in attendance.

As a non-profit organization, The High Desert Museum depends on private donations and grants from foundations, government agencies and corporations.