Hopkins Outreach Center Fundraising Launched
Forests Forever, Incorporated (FFI), a community non-profit organization based in Clackamas County, is launching a major fundraising campaign to construct an Outreach Center at their Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Beavercreek. The 2,400 square foot building will provide residential space for their Forest Host plus accommodations for overnight guests, a conference room and office. About $254,000 of donations have been already committed to the project during the “quiet phase.” The public fundraising, now starting, has the goal to raise the balance of ½ million dollar project.
According to Mike Bondi, FFI Board Member and Fundraising Coordinator, “The Outreach Center will be an important addition to our education and outreach efforts at Hopkins. As we have grown over the years, we have needed better accommodations for our Forest Host plus the ability to offer overnight lodging for teachers, researchers, volunteers and visitors coming from all around the area and across the country to work at Hopkins and participate in our education programs and activities.”
Bondi says he has been overwhelmed by the early support and commitments made to this project starting last summer. Besides cash contributions, forest product companies have donated all of the framing wood and plywood for the building. FFI has a variety of other product and service needs they hope to fill, too.
“We really appreciate all of the support in the community and around the region. Our building will be a wonderful showcase of using the most sustainable building product there is—WOOD—in the construction of our Center.” All donors will be recognized in the Center. Naming opportunities are available, too.
For more details about the project and how you can help, an Outreach Center fund raising brochure is available to view and download below. Print copies are available at Hopkins or by contacting the FFI office.
A special thank you to RSG Forest Products, Molalla, for donating the framing wood for the building and to Freres Lumber, Lyons, for contributing the plywood.