PORT ANGELES, WA – Field Arts & Events Hall reports that individual alumni donors from Port Angeles High School have now contributed a combined $790,176 in support of the construction of a state-of-the-art performing arts and events center in downtown Port Angeles.
In recognition of the leadership of the local alumni community, the Field Hall board announced a giving challenge to Port Angeles High School graduates. The classes who raise the most towards the project and who have the most individual donors involved will be rewarded with complimentary use of the waterfront conference center for their next high school reunion.
“Early in our fundraising efforts we discovered this community project really resonates with Port Angeles alumni, whether they still live here or not,” said Board President Brooke Taylor, himself an alum. “So, we decided to have a friendly competition among classes, and it has really been fun. And with 2 months to go, the winners are still very much in doubt.”
Second place for both categories is a package of ten tickets to a 2023-2024 season performance of the class’s choice. Currently, Field Hall recognizes the Class of 1972 for total contributions at $187,816 and the Class of 1974 for greatest number of individual donors at 37 contributors.
Gail Ralston, Field Hall Board Member and PAHS alumna commented: “I am a proud member of the Port Angeles High School Class of 1972. We are a very close class and I have helped organize many of our reunions. Every 5 years since our graduation we have held a reunion and also had a 65th birthday party. If we win the Class Challenge, I am looking forward to celebrating our 70th birthday party next year and future reunions at Field Hall. There is no bigger celebration than getting together with your oldest friends. Port Angeles’ new Field Hall, with its magnificent views of both the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is a perfect place to show off Port Angeles’ new downtown gem!”
On behalf of the class of 1974, Co-Chairs Kim Chapman and Larry Bennett commented: “The Port Angeles High School Class of 1974 was happy to help support the P.A. Class Challenge to help finish paying for the new Field Hall. We are excited for the opportunity to hold our upcoming 50th Class Reunion there in 2024! This new Arts and Events Center will be the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the city of Port Angeles.”
Ed Bedford, local businessman and graduate of the Port Angeles Class of 1965 recently made a $25,000 pledge towards the completion of the center and urged his classmates to participate in the challenge as well: “I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to this awesome project as a proud member of the Roughrider class of ‘65 – arguably the best class to ever turn out of Port Angeles High! As a small businessman in Port Angeles and having been a proud member of this community for 76 years I encourage all alumni and business owners to consider making a contribution toward the completion of Field Hall. This project brings so many opportunities to benefit all. When I drive by this structure it gives me pride to see what is taking place. My donation is the largest I have ever had the opportunity to make. I choose to make this commitment because of how many will take something away from here for years to come, both young and old.”
Gifts made in honor of a Port Angeles High School graduating class will be recognized as part of the class challenge between now and June 1st. To make a gift in honor of your class, visit www.fieldhallevents.org/donate or call (360) 477-4679.
Field Arts & Events Hall is the largest privately funded development project to ever take place on the Olympic Peninsula. The $42 million building has been made possible primarily through individual contributions, including significant gifts from four female arts patrons: Donna Morris, Dorothy Field, Pat Donlin, ad Mary Whitmore, known collectively as the “Field Hall Angels.”
Donors who give any amount towards the Field Hall Capital Campaign prior to Grand Opening will be recognized as members of the Founder’s Circle. Donors who give or pledge $2,500 towards the Capital Campaign prior to Grand Opening will receive special recognition and benefits as Founder’s Circle Patrons. For more information about giving and sponsorship, please visit: www.fieldhallevents.org/founders-circle or contact cheri@fieldhallevents.org
