Laserfiche WebLink
The Park is sustained by significant volunteerism from many audiences: <br />• Board members are all volunteers and invest significant time in governance issues as well as <br />special areas where their expertise is needed. <br />• There are dozens of people who generously provide their skills and labor to develop and <br />maintain our facilities, equipment, trails system, etc. and to communicate bout and promote <br />the Park. This season we had two construction companies donate labor and materials to <br />build a large judges stand and a maintenance shed valued at a total of over $20,000. <br />• Approximately 25 people are involved in fundraising efforts of various kinds including small <br />gatherings, grant writing, sponsorship solicitations and our first-ever auction dinner gala <br />event this November 12th at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish. <br />• Last but not least, the vast majority of events we host are organized by non-profit groups <br />that are staffed by volunteers. <br />Not counting this last category, we estimate that volunteerism accounts for a minimum of 4,000 <br />hours per year which equates to a value of $115,960 based on a multiplier of $28.99 per hour <br />(Washington state rate from Independentsector.org). <br />We are continually reviewing grant criteria and applying where consideration seems hopeful. We've <br />found that since the Park doesn't neatly fit the definition of a "youth", conservation", "social <br />services" or "education" organization, it's been very difficult to obtain grant support. In 2017 we <br />intend to apply to Puget Sound Energy, Suncadia and the United States Equestrian Federation. It <br />must be noted however, that the vast majority of grants and private contributions are restricted to <br />site improvement proiects and can't be used for operating_needs such as promotions and marketing. <br />We intend to explore opportunities to work with Destination Marketing Organizations for media buys <br />and Association Development Organization for additional grant possibilities. <br />If this project can't be funded, we would be forced to cut back significantly on our marketing <br />activities and materials, and to rely almost exclusively on digital media to communicate with our <br />target audiences for ongoing and new events. That would severely weaken our ability to engage <br />them. That in turn would slow down our progress in filling the calendar and funding needed <br />improvements, which would adversely affect the related economic benefits the Park could generate. <br />5. How does the Park collaborate and form partnerships with other organizations, groups or other <br />events to encourage county -wide tourism? <br />We distribute information about the local community and activities at the new literature racks <br />installed at the Park's visitors' registration booth and office. Our website links to the Live Life in <br />Color county website, Cle Elum's "This Is How We Do", "MyEllensburg", Suncadia, which in turn like <br />to the Chamber's digital Visitors' Guide and to the county's accomodation's link. <br />We work with others as follows: <br />Cle Elum Roundup Board The Park's Executive Director frequently attends the <br />Roundup Board meetings and works on the Marketing <br />Committee to promote and produce this 3 -year-old keystone <br />event. <br />