Wonderworks Children's Museum in Need: Community Rallies in Support
Wonderworks Children’s Museum. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, September 21, 2023–Wonderworks Children's Museum, has announced that they are facing a temporary closure due to financial hardship. The closure is scheduled to begin October 1st.
“Like many nonprofits, we are facing the imminent threat of closure due to financial challenges. The Wonderworks team has worked incredibly hard following COVID-19 to bounce back, striving to become bigger, better, and most importantly, more sustainable than ever,” said Wonderworks Board of Directors.
Wonderworks Children’s Museum. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Wonderworks has provided a safe and fun environment for imaginative, technology-free, open-ended play to the children of The Dalles since its inception in the 1970’s. A group of mother’s had originally founded the organization. No stranger to financial hardship, the organization has been housed in various locations all over town from basements to churches for years before finally settling into a permanent location in the late 2000s.
Their guiding principle was and is simple yet profound: "We want kids to be kids."
In February, the museum was awarded $110,000 in grants to expand programming and undergo renovations to install new sensory-friendly flooring. (The renovation of their back room renovation is nearly 99% complete and is ready to be rented for $50 an hour.) However those funds are flagged for specific use and do not cover day to day costs.
“We were able to secure multiple grants to help us further our mission and make improvements to our space. However, we continue to rely on donations to cover our operating costs, like staffing, supplies, and other day-to-day items. This is where we need our Wonderworks supporters to rally around our little museum,” said Wonderworks Board of Directors.
Wonderworks meeds to raise $40,000 in general donations and $2,500 in reoccuring monthly donations to reopen.
Some local business and a group of dedicated volunteers are stepping up to support the museum.
Ceceilia and Trenton Catron. Contributed photo.
“Our beloved Wonderworks Children's Museum is at risk of closing their doors due to lack of funds to operate. As a former employee and simply a community member who loves everything this organization stands for and tangibly does for our area's kids - I feel I need to do something about that!” said Ceceilia Catron on The Unedited Dalles Happenings Facebook page.
Catron and a handful of other volunteers will host a Halloween Drive-in movie fundraiser at Sunshine Mill Winery in The Dalles. Tickets are $25 each and all proceeds will benefit Wonderworks. The drive-in can only accommodate 39 cars so those wanting to attend would be best served to buy their tickets early. Tickets can be purchased from Catron via paypal; or venmo at @Cecelia-Catron.
Ticket purchasers can vote on which classic movie they would like to see: Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, or The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Voting for the movie to be shown will close on October 1st!
Voting Link: https://poll-maker.com/Q7EABNYK7
Another local business, The Workshop, has offered to donate 20% of all sales made this Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. The Workshop will also donate all proceeds form their craft night on October 4th to the children's museum.
While financial donations are crucial, there are always other ways to contribute. The museum is always looking for advocates, fundraising assistance, and for volunteers for various roles, from daily operations to maintenance tasks. Donations of specific items, such as musical instruments, props for the children’s cafe, and STEM-related materials, are equally welcome.
Annual memberships, a crucial revenue stream, are also available. Starting at $120 for families or $200 for care providers, these memberships offer an opportunity for the community to engage actively in preserving this cherished establishment.
With external events planned, like the Halloween Drive-In movie fundraiser, the hope is to not just sustain but to let Wonderworks thrive.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring the survival of Wonderworks Children's Museum, and we invite you to join us in this mission. Your generous support could make a profound difference in securing the museum's future. A donation, whether large or small, will be a critical investment in the education and well-being of our community's children,” said Wonderworks Board of Directors.
“We are hopeful that the generosity and compassion of our community will help ensure that Wonderworks Children's Museum remains a pillar of inspiration, learning, and wonder, for generations to come.”
Donations can be made at wonderworksgorge.org.
