Rebuilding the Vida McKenzie Community Center
The Vida McKenzie Community Center (VMCC) was entirely destroyed by the Holiday Farm Fire that swept through the McKenzie River valley in September 2020.
The total loss of the VMCC has been yet another heavy blow for the river communities, as it was a hub for many activities such as the cheerful Saturday BINGO nights, classes, concerts and exhibits by local artists. It also served as a picturesque location for weddings and was where the Late Bloomers Garden Club held its meetings, and where EWEB hosted town halls. In other words, the building was whatever the community needed it to be, and to have it gone has left a large void in a community which has already lost so much since the fire.
“It is the mission of the Vida McKenzie Community Center to provide a welcoming and accessible gathering space where the community experiences art & culture, celebrates, mourns, learns and prospers together,” says VMCC Board Member Gerry Aster.
Although unfortunately, the VMCC’s insurance did not adequately cover its rebuilding costs – estimated at $755,000 – the center’s board is determined to build it back even better than before, and donations are already being made to contribute towards that goal.
They recently launched its “Capital Campaign” during an open house at the McKenzie River Discovery Center. More of these open house events are planned so that everyone who is interested in getting involved gets a chance to voice their suggestions, concerns and ideas.
Staying Local
In addition to funds, the project also is looking for large timbers which can be used for the support beams. They prefer local lumber so that the building will forever be a monument to something good coming from so much devastation.
The new building will continue the tradition of hosting a broad variety of groups, but will also expand into other areas, such as becoming an incubator for small businesses and housing a commercial kitchen which will be available to caterers for events.
Show Your Support
This is a monumental effort that will need involvement from the whole community. If you can help towards our $755,000 fundraising goal in any way, please get in touch, and see below for details on how you can contribute. The VMCC is a 501(c)3 organization # 93-1297648. If you have questions please contact Gerry Aster at 541-896-3001 or gerryaster@gmail.com
- Donate by clicking the big yellow PayPal Donate button in the Blue banner below!
- Donate By Mail: VMCC, PO BOX 163, Vida OR 97488
- Donate at Umpqua Bank: Vida McKenzie Community Center, Account number 1423691
You can also support us on AMAZON which returns .05% on purchases by shopping at AMAZON SMILE, then searching for ‘Vida McKenzie Community Center’ in the Charity Search box and continue shopping as normal with your regular Amazon account.
Donate to Help Rebuild the Vida McKenzie Community Center!
Open House Community Input Meeting
Join us as we rebuild from the ashes! Our next Open House will be held at the Discovery Center at the Historic Fish Hatchery, in Leaburg (admin building) 44645 McKenzie Highway, Leaburg, OR, on 4/10/21 from 1-4p.m. This is your opportunity to view images of the proposed new building and comment on the space and the vision for the types of activities the new building can accommodate.
SAVE THE DATE – July 10th from 11-3 pm the VMCC will be hosting a Bingo Run. Cars, bikes and motorcycles start in Cedar Flat and work their way up river, picking up Bingo numbers along the way. The winner will be the person who reaches McKenzie Bridge with the card closest to a true Bingo. The prize is a float on the McKenzie River. More details and sign ups coming soon.
Staying Local
In addition to funds, the project also is looking for large timbers which can be used for the support beams. They prefer local lumber so that the building will forever be a monument to something good coming from so much devastation.
The new building will continue the tradition of hosting a broad variety of groups, but will also expand into other areas, such as becoming an incubator for small businesses and housing a commercial kitchen which will be available to caterers for events.
For more information please visit:
Facebook – Vida McKenzie Community Center
