The McKenzie River Trust would like to thank everyone for helping us celebrate our 20th anniversary by attending or supporting our fundraising event at the Hult Center’s Soreng Theater in Eugene on May 8th.  Nature and Community on the McKenzie River--An Evening with Barry Lopez, was a great success with over 400 attendees. 

Over the course of the evening, we were treated to a lyrical tour of the McKenzie and other rivers, the larger world, and some of the life history of one of the most accomplished natural and cultural history writers today.  Ultimately, the evening brought us all back home, to appreciate fully the treasure of lands and waters that define our region by the places we live, work, and play.  The programs of the McKenzie River Trust rely on that recognition, and the commitment of hundreds of people working to ensure that our children’s grandchildren are able to enjoy that legacy like we do today. 

There are many people whose generosity made the evening possible, first among them, Barry Lopez himself.  His willingness and ability to draw connections between the work of the Trust and his lifetime of observations truly made for a remarkable celebration.  For those interested in more of his thoughts, a collection of essays, River Notes, chronicles his earlier times on the McKenzie River, and his many publications are available in fine bookstores throughout our region.    For more information about his life and work, please visit his website: www.barrylopez.com.

CDI Vaults was a generous Leadership Sponsor of this event and the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) was a Presenting Sponsor. We value their continued support.

The all-volunteer Development and Communications Committee of the McKenzie River Trust—Rolf Anderson, Neil Hutchinson, Christie McDonald, Bob Parker, Glen Phipps and Megan Smith; with staff support of Rick McMonagle, Director of Development and Communications—worked for months on event logistics.

Lori Howard, owner of Black Sheep Design in Eugene, donated her talents to design the gorgeous poster for the event.

Clancey Printing donated the printing of the event poster.

Laurie Gerloff wrote text for the poster, news release and public service announcement.

Poppy Lochridge volunteered her skills to photograph the event.

Thanks to J. Michaels Books of Eugene for organizing the book sale.

Our gratitude goes to many individuals and organizations that helped us to publicize this event by hanging posters, placing announcements in their publications and organizational calendars, sending out email announcements on our behalf, and attending this event.  We had useful advice from more experienced event planners and promoters.  Others made donations in support of this event and other activities even though they couldn’t be with us tonight.  We thank you all!