Baker County TDC OKs $25,000 allocation to Hope Center fundraiser

The Baker County Tourist Development Council voted to allocate $25,000 in TDC funds to support the Hope Center's gospel-music fundraising event.

At the Dec. 4 meeting, a representative of the Hope Center described program expansion — weekly evening classes for people in recovery, planned daytime classes beginning in January and recent success in helping participants find jobs and reunite with family. The representative said the center's inaugural fundraiser drew regional attendees, that the venue seats about "900 a night" and that they "probably could put...1100" if needed. She said the first-year net proceeds were "17,000 and something." She also said on-site offerings added roughly "4 or 5,000." (Amounts reported by the presenter in the meeting.)

Unidentified Speaker 4 moved to approve a TDC contribution of "25,000" (as stated in the meeting); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or named yea/nay votes.

Board members and the presenter discussed ticket pricing and event expenses. One board member suggested simply soliciting donations for the Hope Center rather than staging a large event; the presenter said the event provided community engagement beyond fundraising. The motion approved funding support rather than creating a programmatic requirement or binding contract for future years.

Next steps noted in the meeting: the Hope Center and TDC staff will continue event planning and promotion; specifics about how the $25,000 will be spent were not detailed during the meeting.

The council adjourned after routine business.