2 1 " M. I January 1, 1998
(B mum aim new twiddl SM0KE SIGNALS
OMSI receives Community Fund's largest donation yet
Christmas came early for the Oregon Museum of Science and
Industry (OMSI), which received a $265,000 donation from the
Spirit Mountain Community Fund, the largest donation given to
date. Part of the gift will expand OMSI's outreach and education for
students and teachers in Portland, Salem, Eugene and the rest of the
Willamette Valley, including funding free visits to the museum. The bal
ance will support OMSI's efforts to restructure its debt.
The Spirit Mountain Community Fund shares profits with non-profit
organizations in eleven Oregon counties.
At a special ceremony at OMSI, Kathryn Harrison, Tribal Council Chair,
presented OMSI Board co-chair Bob Harrison with the check.
"We are honored to receive such a landmark gift, which helps us ex
pand science and technology education for students whose schools
may not otherwise be able to afford educational visits to OMSI," sated
Pat LaCrosse, OMSI president.
"During the fight for restoration of our tribe," said Kathryn Harrison,
"we promised we would help others help themselves if we had the chance.
Thanks to the success of Spirit Mountain Casino, we are keeping our
word."
In recognition of this generous donation, OMSI's school entrance will
be named after the Community Fund.
OMSI has a history of partnership with the Grand Ronde Tribe. Youth
from the Tribe and other Oregon tribes participate in OMSI's award
winning "Salmon Camp" program, designed to help kids explore science,
technology, and natural resources from a Native American perspective.
HI
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Kathryn Harrison signs the $265,000 Spirit Mountain Community Fund check for OMSI. Pictured
from left: Chuck Galford, Kathryn Harrison, and Bob Harrison.
Life Flight Network - $174,000
Portland Art Museum - $100,000
Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism
(SOLV) -$125,000
Oregon Adopt-A-River - $7,500
Yamhill and Polk County
Sheriff's Offices - $234,360
OR. Gambling Addiction and Treatment
Foundation - $95,320
Toy and Joymakers $50,000
American Diabetes
Association $50,000
Young Audiences $25,000
Health Dynamics Hospice - $10,000
Grand Ronde Library $1,500
Portland Repertory Theater - $15,800
Albina Community Bank - $100,000
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Toy and
Joymakers
give hack to
Grand Ronde
Local volunteers,
including teachers
from Grand Ronde
Elementary, divide
a truckload of toys
donated to the area
by the Toy and
Joymakers program,
a recent recipient of
a Community Fund
grant.
The Community Fund :
A good deal for the Tribe
Tribal members sometimes wonder why we make large
grants from Spirit Mountain's Community Fund to "outside"
programs when the Tribe and its members still have press
ing needs of their own. In fact, however, Community Fund
grants do not reduce tribal programs or benefits for tribal
members, and the grants build a strong defense against
those who might try to end tribal gaming. Here's why:
The Tribe renegotiated its gaming compact with the
State of Oregon in January, 1 997. This new compact al
lowed Spirit Mountain to become the largest casino in Or
egon and offer virtually all of the games available in Las
Vegas, such as craps and roulette. As a result, Spirit Moun
tain has increased its contribution to the tribal revenue and
added 300 jobs.
Under the compact, the Tribe PROMISED to distribute
6 of Spirit Mountain's net revenues to community organi
zations and programs through the Community Fund. Be
cause of the Community Fund, the Tribe has taken a lead
ership rote in supporting important causes such as Life
Flight, Christmas toys for needy children, and education.
Many of the Community Fund grants benefit the West Val
ley and other areas where tribal members live. Besides
doing good things, these contributions make good friends
for us, who will stand with us against those who want to
put an end to Indian casinos.
The money given out through the Community Fund is
"earmarked" for only that purpose - it's an OBLIGATION
of the Tribe, just like mortgage payments or other business
expenses. The Community Fund money is not available to
the Tribe for tribal programs or distributions to members.
However, what we get in return under the gaming compact
produces many more dollars for tribal programs and, thus,
has enabled the Tribe to do much more for its members and
invest in the future.