The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The SOAR Foundation has relaunched to support the programs of Sisters Park & Recreation District.

The SOAR Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Sisters, has relaunched with the appointment of three new board members and a revised mission statement. Its updated mission is to help secure funding for designated programs and projects benefitting the Sisters community, primarily through the Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD).

New board members Tom Bracken, Rosemary Vasquez and Karinda Boone join member-at-large Darren Layne as the nucleus of the revitalized organization. All are residents of the Sisters community and have volunteered to continue to support the growth and demand for programs offered through SPRD. Bracken was appointed president, Vasquez vice president, and Boone serves as secretary and treasurer. Each new member was appointed to a three-year term.

“I am excited to help define the new vision for the SOAR Foundation and secure funding for the growing needs of the Sisters community,” said Bracken. “SPRD has an aggressive vision for growing its community services, and we are eager to help deliver on its pledge to create programs and activities for all residents in our area.”

The SOAR Foundation was originally founded in 1995 and was the predecessor to SPRD. In 2004, the SOAR Foundation raised more than $1 million to build the Coffield Community Center that serves as the headquarters for SPRD programs.

As part of its relaunch, the SOAR Foundation will focus on securing funding through corporate donations, grants and individual contributions. It is also seeking to add several new board members and a student representative from Sisters High School.

“Having access to an additional source of funding is critical to the growth and prosperity of SPRD,” said Jennifer Holland, executive director of SPRD. “While the funding from property taxes and the local option levy help subsidize a portion of our operating expenses, the ability to increase our capabilities to better serve the community through an outside funding organization will be important to meet the needs of this growing community.”