Oktoberfest President John Gooley announced the award of $121,925 to 42 non-profit organizations in Mount Angel and surrounding communities as a result of 2010’s successful Oktoberfest.
The festival awarded $105,250 in 2009.
The 2010 figure does not include the $525,000 earned by non-profit community groups that operated the 50 food booths during the four-day event.
The Mount Angel Community Foundation received the largest grant of $79,000.
Jim Hall, treasurer of the foundation, said the money will be used to help build a new Community Center for Mount Angel.
The building will serve the needs of local non-profits, civic groups, churches, schools and community members to host events and activities.
It also will serve as a designated emergency shelter in case of natural or other disasters. For four days in September it will be an entertainment venue for Oktoberfest.
St. Joseph Shelter, Mount Angel Community Chest, Northwest Senior & Disability Services, Oregon Garden Foundation, Silverton Women’s Zenith Club and other organizations that help the needy split $4,750.
Area schools, the Fr. Bernard Youth Center, Mount Angel Area Little League, the Booster Club, scouting and other youth activities will receive $18,675.
Silverton Hospital, Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, Mount Angel Developmental Program share $4,250.
St. Mary Parish in Mount Angel, the Benedictine Sisters, Catholic Broadcasting, Mount Angel Historical Society and the Festival Chorale Oregon share $6,750.
Mount Angel Volunteer Firefighters Association, Mount Angel Knights of Columbus, Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce, Marion County Sheriff’s Posse (Search and Rescue), American Legion Post #89, and other service groups divided $9,500 for the continuance of their good works.
Mount Angel Oktoberfest is one of Oregon’s favorite family events. Even four days of rain – with record breaking rain on Saturday – could not keep festival fans away. They came out in huge numbers to participate in an unending buffet of fun, music and food. Oktoberfest is the most important event of the year for the school, church and service groups involved. Many generate a large part of their annual funds over the long weekend.
Oktoberfest 2011 is Sept. 15 – 18.
