A Reprieve For Railtown 1897

Jamestown, CA —  In Tuesday’s Primary election voters said no to an expansion of the Transient Occupancy Tax, but now a $75,000grant from the Sonora Area foundation and the Irving J. Symons Foundation for Tuolumne County will keep the park open through July 31, 2012.  The park is on the state closure list to shut down July 1, 2012.

The grant is a challenge for the supporters of Railtown to raise matching funds by July 31st. The match could bring a total of $150,000 to the park.

President of the Sonora Area Foundation, Jim Johnson says “Supporting Railtown 1897 is right in line with our long-lasting mission to award grants to worthy projects that help improve the quality of life in Tuolumne County.” He added “We would be very proud to award the maximum $75,000 of the challenge grant to the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and many community fundraising partners, in order to help keep Railtown open and operating.

Executive Director of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, Kathy Daigle says “We are excited and grateful that the Sonora Area Foundation has awarded a $75,000 matching grant to help save Railtown 1897,” “Time is short but we are confident that, with the support of the community and all those who love Railtown 1897, we can raise $75,000 in matching funds by July 31, 2012. There are many ways for individuals and businesses to contribute.”

In fact, Tuolumne County’s Rotary clubs will host a “Spotlight on Railtown” fundraising event Saturday evening, June 9. It includes a raffle for a 2012 Corvette. Event tickets are $50 per person. The Corvette raffle tickets are $100 each. All proceeds from the event will count toward the matching grant. You can click here for tickets to the event or to make a donation.