Starry Nights raises $100,000 for schools

The 2004 Sisters Starry Nights Concert Series has raised a record $100,000 in net proceeds for the Sisters Schools Foundation. The series, which completed its seventh season last month, has netted more than $430,000 for local schools since its inception in 1997.

"We are very proud to announce that we've reached the $100,000 mark this year," said series Co-chair and Sisters Schools Foundation Chairperson Susan Arends. "Being in the new auditorium at Sisters High School enabled us to expand our fund-raising capabilities and offer our audience high quality entertainment in a state-of-the-art setting."

This year's Starry Nights series featured Kenny Loggins and his band in January; Kim Carnes bringing Nashville stars Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Suzy Bogguss and Greg Barnhill in a songwriter round format in March; and Kathy Mattea and her band making a stop in Sisters on their regular tour in April.

All Starry Nights headliners donate their performances.

Past series have featured such stars as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Lee Ann Womack, Michael McDonald, John Hiatt, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Karla Bonoff, Hal Ketchum and Christopher Cross.

Starry Nights revenues have funded a multitude of programs including music, art, science, athletics, reading, math, home economics, technology, outdoor school and other vital co-curricular and classroom activities that have faced budget cuts.

A portion of the proceeds goes into an endowment fund, so that the Foundation may one day be self-sustaining. The next distribution of funds by the Sisters Schools Foundation Board will take place in the fall.

Major supporters of the series are Title Sponsors Ray's Food Place and Coca-Cola Central Oregon, with Bank of the Cascades serving as Presenting Sponsor. A long list of companies and individuals from throughout Central Oregon offer financial and in-kind support to Sisters Starry Nights.

"We thank our committee and volunteers for their hard work over these past months," said series Co-Chair Jeri Fouts. "Starry Nights is the result of the giving spirit demonstrated by so many parents, students, teachers, local businesses and concerned citizens. Our schools need us now more than ever, and it is wonderful to see a small town come together like this to make a difference."