Just $2 million shy of the $16 million needed to complete Phase 1 of the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center, the project’s fundraising committee is turning to a resource that has stepped up every time there has been a community need – the generosity of its people.
At a special meeting to update the community on the progress of EOTEC, committee members said the center will be built – but that community support is needed in order to equip the center with all the amenities and features of a first-class facility.
And the committee wants the center to be debt-free. So rather than take out loans to complete the project, the committee will seek donations of all sizes from businesses and families throughout Umatilla County. None of the money raised for EOTEC has been borrowed.
“I’ll be frank – we need your money,” said Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann, a member of the fundraising committee. “We’re trying to accomplish this without capital debt. We’re only going to build what we have the money for.”
So, what won’t be completed without the $2 million? One of the three barns ($625,000); 2,000 permanent seats for the rodeo ($600,000); permanent pens, panels and stalls ($700,000); and water and electrical extension for extended stay area for exhibitors ($75,000).
The committee doesn’t want EOTEC to have to rent those items each year, adding to its annual operations cost.
The timeline to raise the money is a quick one. The committee needs to raise the money by April 1. The committee presented the three dozen or so people in attendance Wednesday night with its eight levels of sponsorship opportunities. Those range from $100 up to $250,000. Drotzmann said donations of $10,000 or more can be spread out over time. Committee member Nate Rivera said donations have already been coming in, with $100,000 donated from businesses and individuals from all over the county.
Of the $16 million needed for the project, a total of $11.8 million has already been raised. The city of Hermiston and Umatilla County have agreed to give $600,000 each to the project. Added to that is $450,000 from the fair’s moving fund. Local hoteliers have pledged $1 million through an increase in room taxes.
An additional $1.5 million was intended to come via a loan that would be paid back through pledged donations. EOTEC property would have been used as collateral. The city of Hermiston signed off on that plan on Monday, but Umatilla County Commissioners learned on Wednesday that state law prevents a county from putting up land as collateral. The plan could still go forward, but the county will have to use something other than land as collateral.
Drotzmann urged those in attendance Wednesday to spread the word about EOTEC and the sponsorship opportunities.
“We need you to share a positive message about EOTEC with your friends and family and get involved,” he said.
More information on the project and how to donate is available on the EOTEC website.
