Chorale director donates scholarship funds

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) has received a $4,300 donation from Irene Liden, director of Sisters High Desert Chorale. The funds are dedicated to the scholarship program.

Liden, a retired professional opera singer, is an enthusiastic walker and hiker who also volunteers as the director of her church choir along with the chorale. Her joie de vivre inspired her to assist in funding programs that encourage activities and education for youth through SPRD.

"I wanted to give back to this community," Liden explained, "so giving young people the opportunity to learn what is going on in our state and in nature at SPRD was an easy choice. It is nice to add to scholarships that will help more children and teens participate in programs."

Sisters Park & Recreation District needs about $40,000 annually for scholarship assistance in youth and pre-school programs. Scholarship funds are 100 percent dependent on donations, either by individuals or charitable grants. In 2014, about $20,000 came from outside grants while the remaining $20,000 needed to be raised through individual donations, according to Liam Hughes, SPRD executive director.

With a tax base that is the third lowest in Oregon parks and recreation districts, SPRD is in a constant drive for sports, programs and administrative funding. In comparison to other small community recreation districts, SPRD receives less than half the tax funding of Dufur, Hood River, Clatskanie and La Pine. The district therefore must rely on "pay-to-participate" funds for all activities.

"We greatly appreciate all the donations we have received so far. Donations are key to keeping SPRD running. In addition, the Bonnie Malone Scholarship fund allows children from families in financial need to participate in our programs who might not otherwise be able to do so," said Hughes,

Donations to the Bonnie Malone Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible through the charitable foundation of SPRD.