The following press release was presented today to local media:
Amphitheater Fundraising Complete - Arches Being Raised
As the arches that will form the stage cover for the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater were being lifted into place, the Rotary Club of Salem announced today that fundraising for the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater has reached its $4 million goal.
Project Co-Chair Barry Nelson praised all those involved. "What was a dream five years ago is now becoming a reality thanks to the incredible generosity of Rotarians and many others across the region."
Members of the Rotary Club of Salem have been the largest contributors to the project providing more than $1 million. Other major donors include the State of Oregon, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, the Larry and Jeanette Epping Family Fund and Mountain West Investment Corporation.
"This is an intricate, one-of-a-kind structure that has involved the expertise and ingenuity of many local businesses," said Co-Chair Ken VanOsdol. He particularly singled out CB Two Architects, Dalke Construction, Western Wood Structures, Far West Steel, Santiam Steel, and Landis Consulting for the time and talent they have invested in the project, some of which came as in-kind donations.
VanOsdol said Dalke Construction of Salem expects project completion by early summer. The project commemorates Rotary's 100 years of service to the community and honors legendary Oregonian and the club's longest-tenured member, Gerry Frank.
The design of the stage cover was inspired by the open weave baskets used by the indigenous Kalapuya that lived in the area. "The Kalapuya used this site as a gathering place. We're pleased to be able to honor their heritage and culture through this design, and celebrate the amphitheater again serving as a place where the regional community can come together," commented Nelson.
