December 7, 2007

EXCITING NEWS: UPDATES ON OUR COMMUNITY BUILDING

This spring we are hoping to break ground on the construction of the community building! 

So much has been accomplished.  At present the architectural plans are almost finalized after much work by the architects and the Design Committee.  The Center will feature: 1) much needed public restrooms; 2) a visitor’s information center; 3) showcase the areas rich history; 4) Scenic Drives including the Beartooth All-American Road and the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway; 5) a conference area to accommodate 30 persons; 5) leased office space availability; and 6) the Colter Pass, Cooke City, Silver Gate Chamber office. 

As you are aware, this project will fill a critical need for the communities of Colter Pass, Cooke City and Silver Gate.  The lack of public restrooms is of serious concern to the residents and businesses in the area.  In addition, the facility will provide much needed space for hosting community group meetings as well as become a showcase for heritage tourism and a portal for the Beartooth  All American Road.

• Our design committee has hired an architect and plans are finalized.  Constructions bids are going out soon and we should have final costs available to us by spring 2008.

• The Chamber obtained an interpretive design grant.  This grant was implemented by the input of the Friends of the All American Beartooth Road and the Gallatin National Forest. An interpretive designer will create a plan for an attractive professional interpretive and welcoming exhibit.  This center with its exhibits, community-meeting rooms, amenities and informational offices, will be a must-stop center for the traveling public.

• The Community Council is assisting the Chamber and RC&D with ongoing fundraising to help with the construction of the building.  The various individuals and organizations involved in making this Center a reality are working hard to get additional funding to break ground this spring.  Recently, we were awarded a grant from the Montana Department of Commerce, Travel Montana program for $30,000 to assist in these efforts.  We were allocated through our resort tax application process $193,000 for this project.   All of the project partners are also continuing to work on raising financial support through private funding opportunities and other public programs.  The project team is committed to raising the funds necessary to construct and maintain the facility.  The current cost estimate for construction of the Center is approximately $720,000.  Every year the project is delayed costs continue to rise.  This is an estimate for 2007. The costs for construction in the Cooke City Area are high because of its remoteness and short construction window.

• For your information the Northern Rocky Mountain Resource Conversation and Development Area, Inc. (RC&D) is a nonprofit, tax exempt organization under Section 501(3)C of the U.S. tax code..  RC&D’s purpose is to improve the quality of life in the area they serve through a comprehensive and coordinated effort of local citizens.  The Northern

Rocky Mountain RC&D Area, Inc. is committed to assisting the Community with its efforts to construct the Community Center and Public Restroom Facility.  The RC&D will provide sponsorship through its non-profit status and continue to assist the community in organization and management of this project. 

So, as you can see, it is evident that we still have the need for a major fundraising effort.  This project cannot be accomplished in a reasonable time based solely on fundraisers and grants.  Your support and contributions will be so vital to the success of our Center now and ongoing.   Although this small community has been extremely successful in raising local matching dollars for the funding it has obtained to date, paying for the construction of this facility would be impossible without your assistance.

If you would like more detail or further information in order to make your donation decision on why and how much, we are available for more details and questions, via phone or in person.  Please feel free to contact any of the following leaders who are involved in this project:

Suzy Hahn, CCCC President;             e-mail: cookecitymt@aol.com                phone: 406-838-2332

Josh Kellar, RC&D Coordinator;       e-mail: Joshua.Kellar@mt.usda.gov        phone: 406-582-5700

Bev Chatelain, Chamber President;    e-mail: info@bigmooseresort.com          phone:  406-838-2393

We are very excited that you are interested in donating to this worthwhile project. 

Attached is a donation form for your convenience. Thank you for being so supportive!

Sincerely,

The Cooke City Community Council                                                  Design Committee

Suzy Hahn                        President                                                     Chuck Sumners

Bev Chatelain                   Vice-President                                              Suzy Hahn

Nellie Israel                      Secretary                                                      Bev Chatelain

Donna Rowland             Treasurer                                                      Donna Rowland

Florence Zundel              Board Member                                              Jeff Menuey

Rick Sommers                   Board Member                                              Nellie Israel

Jerry Tachick                    Board Member                                              Heather Burdette

John Oldemeyer              Board Member                                              Betty Sommers

Carole Oldemeyer           Board Member

Betty Sommers                 Board Member

We have many, many folks who are impossible to list for their contributions, they have also volunteerd their time to serve on committees, fundraiser,donated items for auctions, purchased items at auctions,labor, events, etc. Any event that has raised money for the Community Center from other identities has also gone to the Community Center project, such as the Chamber events/sales, etc.. We appreciate every single one of these folks but it would be impossible to name everyone and not exclude someone.. so thanks to all of their ongoing support!

Listed below are the financial contributors made directly to the CCCC for the Community Center with the ongoing fundraiser campaign.

Diamond  ( >$10,000)

Margaret Hart

Ed & Harriet Spencer

Sapphire ($5,000-9,999)

  Nellie Israel

  Florence Zundel

Platinum ($2500-4999) 

  Ross & Gloria Edwards

  Garnett Cary

  Davenport, Jeanne & Tom Bird

  Fred Schilling                                             

Gold  ($1000-2499)

  Jim & Joan Bateman

  Beartooth Alliance

  DW Burns Plumbing & Heating

  Dr. Michael Menzel

  John & Carole Oldemeyer

  Jerry & Dene Tachick

  Upper Yellowstone Snowmobile Club

Silver ($500-999)

  Cooke City Motorsports

  Elk Horn Lodge

  Flathead Electric

  Margaret Hart

  Mike & Rita Hefron

  Linda McDonald

Bronze  (250-499)

  A.S. Hart III

  Aspen Real Estate

  Big Moose Resort

  Tom Bird

  Colter Pass, Cooke City, Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce

  Gary & Denise Everson

  Margaret Hruza

  Earl McNinch

  Gary & Diane Miano

  NF Shopping Center

  Raz Schneider (Miners Salon)

Other Financial Donations made directly to the CCCC for the Community Center (,$250)

  Dean & Alice Allred

  Bachman, Donald & Cathy Cripps

  Blain Gallery

  Larry & Kathy Blain

  Rodney & Mary Blain

  Kent & Shanna Clark

  David Cooper

  Cummins, Ken & Peggy Wilzback

  Jerry & Mary Dye

  Gerald & Avis Edmonds

  Richard & Alice Edwards

  Raymond & Maureen Ford

  Ralph & Sue Glidden

  Marc & Alice Hansen

  Alan & Carrie Hayes

  Hog Roast Auction

  Hayward & Baker

  Susan Hedrick

  Barbara Hering

  High Country Motel

  Lois Hinrichs

  Bill  & Joan Humiston

  James Jones

  Arlene Koeferi

  Doris Morgan

  Yoshifumi Neff

  Peaco

  Ed & Chris Perry

  Ron Reimann

  Steve & Lisa Schluter

  Chuck & Ruth Sumner

  Edward & Frances Woletz

  Hank & Marcia Woolman

We really appreciate your support!