We’re so appreciative of you—our Sisters Country heroes. Your support for C4C's recent SHS Class of 2020 Street Banner & Keepsake Project could mean the start of a new tradition; and it will definitely lead to more collaborative opportunities involving local youth this year.
One of our hopes for this project was to remind students and others that—despite COVID-19—Sisters remains strong and can always rally together. In addition to lifting up students and helping to create a more festive atmosphere for graduation, these banners—made possible by you—captured our vital, close-knit and celebratory town spirit. And they displayed that joyful spirit for all Hwy 20 passers-by to see.
Some 100 student banners were displayed. Parents and students have said they were very touched by the project; and several people have asked us to repeat it next year—COVID or no COVID—as a way to again honor our local youth.
WE BELIEVE COMMUNITIES BECOME STRONGER WHEN THEY UNITE TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH & FAMILIES
We want to acknowledge Olivia Bertagna—who graduates in 2021. This past winter Olivia joined C4C as our official Youth Board Member. She is helping us find new ways to work with and support students and to further strengthen ties between youth and the greater community. The banner project is an example of that.
The project began in May with C4C outreach to stakeholders including parents, students and school administrators. COVID had already stolen much from our students. Likewise, the virus was canceling trademark Sisters events. Community members encouraged C4C to implement this collaborative project; and banners ultimately went up June 11.
Special thanks go to school team members Joe Hosang, Susie Seaney and Lynne Fendall as well as the City and its Public Works crew. Thanks also go to Shannon Towry, who helped us create the banners. And we also appreciate Curt Kallberg and Sisters Rodeo organizers, who donated their June-time banner space on local lampposts.
C4C contributed $1,250 in funds; then the community stepped up in grand style to donate the remainder of the money needed for the project. Sisters is a caring community; so it’s not surprising that C4C was able to quickly—within a week—raise far more than our Go Fund Me campaign goal of $1,600.
Sixty donors—residents, business owners and local organizations—gave graciously to this project. We also received generous support from Hoyt’s, The Nugget Newspaper and Jerry Baldock of Outlaws Photography.
Ultimately, C4C was able to raise even more than what we needed!
As we noted on our fundraising page, that extra money is being set aside and dedicated expressly to funding future collaborations with SHS to benefit Sisters youth.
Because of your support, the banner project boosted local morale during what has been a stressful time, especially for students, families and businesses. And the additional proceeds from the project will now continue to prosper local students and perhaps even kickstart a 2021 banner project.
C4C is a member of the Sisters Country Vision Implementation Team; and this project aspired to embrace Vision strategies focused on: fostering our small town, close-knit atmosphere; and supporting and empowering less-heard members of the community— including youth—to show them they are valued by the community.
The banners were displayed for almost three weeks and then were gifted to each graduate during SHS yearbook distribution events organized by Susie Seaney, who deserves an extra shout out for all her generous help throughout the project.
Sisters’ 2020 graduates now each have their banners as keepsakes—lasting reminders that their hometown supports them.
WE’VE SAID IT BEFORE, BUT IT’S WORTH REPEATING:
C4C considers our local graduates the ultimate expression of “Made in Sisters” and our most priceless “export” to the world. A couple years ago, the Sisters Visioning process included an informal survey of soon-to-be graduates. Most said they planned to leave after graduation; but they also said they hoped to return to live in Sisters within 10 years. C4C sees this banner project as an investment in that possible future. It’s one way we can say not only, “Congrats! We support you!” but also, “Yes, please do come back home to Sisters!”