Ore to Oar donors will get refunds after project fails

A historical monument project in the county is pulling the plug after it didn’t secure enough funding.

The Ore to Oar Historical Monument Project announced the decision in a news release to the Independent.

According to Emily Ornelas, project promoter, the group had sought a grant from the Montana History Foundation but didn’t get it.

“After two years of fundraising efforts we have only been able to raise half of the commission necessary to complete the monument,” Ornelas said.

She said a lack of local community commitment and interest has been discouraging.

“While many people had voiced a desire to purchase a brick to support the project, in the end only the folks that committed their funds could be counted. Therefore, the project is short $11,500 dollars or 115 bricks.

Ornelas said people that purchased a brick will receive their money back in full. Emily stated at the beginning of this project that she and her husband would cover all the promotional costs so all monies from the bricks would go to the project. In the near future each donor will be receiving a check in the mail along with a letter of sincere thanks and regret.

“It is with much sadness and disappointment that after two years of researching grants and reaching out to businesses and individuals to promote this unique and historic monument clearly, the interest by the local community is not present at this time,” Ornelas said.

“It is unfortunate for the families, businesses and individuals that did commit themselves to the project and will not see their personalized brick.”