Project Overview
Wonderworks has been serving this community for more than 30 years, and in all that time we have never had a permanent home. That is about to change. We have identified a building downtown at 206 Madison; the Port of The Dalles is holding it for us, and we are working to raise the money to purchase the building and convert it into a children’s museum. With a permanent home, we can ensure that our children and our grandchildren will have the opportunity to explore, learn, and play with other children for years to come.Benefits of the New Museum
With this new, permanent home, we will serve more children (up to 12-years-old), more community groups, more parents, more teachers, and more community members. This new home will enable us to provide:
~ more space for exhibits;
~ more programs;
~ a permanent classroom;
~ a permanent art room;
~ an outdoor play patio; and,
~ more space to serve other groups in the area that serve children.Location, Location, Location
The building itself is a simple, 5,000 sq. ft cinder block structure that is appealing for several reasons, but as with any business, it is the location, location, location, that makes this one right. It sits a half block off 2nd Street, it is easy to get to, it has plenty of off-street parking, and it will provide a boost to downtown businesses.Project Costs
The total cost of this project is $650,000. Our goal is to raise 40-50% of the total cost locally – from individuals, families, local businesses – and then leverage this support to secure grants from outside sources to complete the project.
Benefits to the Community
First, in these difficult economic times, local families need a safe, affordable, and fun place to visit with their children. Wonderworks is the only organization in The Dalles that offers activities and programs that are entertaining and educational for children and their parents.Second, this project will provide an economic boost to downtown businesses. The location is ideal to combine running errands downtown with a trip to the museum. Now, stopping to pick up new pajamas at Penney’s or a piano book at the music store can be linked with an energy-burning trip for the kids to the museum. The possibilities are endless and made all the more enticing for young children – and parents – by the promise of a playdate at Wonderworks.
Third, the larger space will serve other organizations that serve children and families in the community as well. Other groups often rent the “playstation” to help provide their services to clients with young children.
Fourth, Wonderworks tries to ensure that the museum is available to every segment of the community: we provide free passes for other groups’ families; free passes at the Library that anyone can check out; and we offer scholarships for every one of our programs (art, music, etc.).
Ways to Give
Your support at any level is greatly appreciated. The options below are the most common ways for individuals and families to make donations. If you have any questions about making a donation, please do not hesitate to contact us.Cash donations
~ Cash, check, credit card, PayPal… they are all tax-deductible*Pledges
~ Payable over 2 years
~ they are deductible the year the payment is made*Matching Gifts
~ Please check with your employer, many match gifts of their employees and families.*Wonderworks is not attempting to provide financial advice, please consult your financial advisor about tax-related issues.