Dear Friend of Rail Heritage,
Over two cold December weekends thousands of children and adults were thrilled to ride the rails behind two classic steam engines – the SP&S 700 and the SP 4449 – on the Holiday Express. This is now a tradition in Portland, America’s only city that owns two operating steam locomotives.
It’s up to us to protect this special experience for our children, grandchildren and future generations.
Before too long these two locomotives and the OR&N 197 will have to move out of the Brooklyn Roundhouse in Southeast Portland.
Today you can preserve our past for future generations by ensuring that these community treasures have a new place to call home. With your help we can bring our dream to reality.
Hundreds of supporters came together October 21 near OMSI in Southeast Portland to break ground for a new Enginehouse & Rail HeritageCenter. When fully built, the Center will be a living workroom to celebrate the history of rail and provide direct public access in addition to space for locomotive maintenance and restoration.
So many people – like you – have stepped forward to support our All Aboard capital campaign to move and save these community treasures. We have raised $4.5 million – enough to start construction – but we still need nearly $1 million more to complete this phase of the project.
This is where you come in. Please join me to give what you can to the All Aboard campaign for the locomotives’ new home near OMSI.
We have a giving level that is just right for you. They range from $44.49 to $700. Plus, your contribution comes with a premium gift.
All Aboard Portland’s heritage steam engines – save the past for future generations.
Can we count on you today?
Sincerely,
Doyle McCormack, President
Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation
P.S. Give today! All donations in 2011 will be matched 1:1 by the Murdock Charitable Trust, doubling the value of your contribution!
P.P.S. Once you make a gift to ORHF please consider a matching gift to the Oregon Cultural Trust before December 31. You will then be eligible to receive a 100% tax credit on your gift to the Trust. That means you can double your contribution to Oregon culture! Find out more at www.culturaltrust.org or call (503) 986-0088.
