ND Cowboy Hall of Fame - Archived Articles

--HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED--

Former North Dakota Governor Arthur Link, Honorary Fundraising Chairperson for the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, has started a foundation for the non-profit, Medora based center of western heritage and culture.

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Foundation, will be used to fund a major endowment that, according to Link, “will insure there is financial assistance available to expand, make major repairs and guarantee the long-term viability of the Hall of Fame.” The former Governor is also urging others to join the tax deductible effort by making a pledge to the newly approved foundation.

Link, with support of the Cowboy Hall of Fame Board of Directors, announced the formation of the foundation at the recent Hall of Fame annual meeting in Mandan. The former Governor put up the first $1,000 to begin the effort and was quickly joined by Hall of Fame Fundraising Campaign Chair T.J. Russell of Cloverdale and seven others who have pledged nearly $10,000. Link says, “I would like to raise $100,000 for the foundation through individual pledges by the end of the year. The funds will be administered by the American Trust Center of American Bank and Trust of Dickinson and Bank Center First of Bismarck. With a few prudent investments, it should be possible to grow the initial $100,000 to a substantial amount over the next few years.”

“Many times organizations have trouble raising money for major repairs, expansion or to begin special programs. By making these funds available to the Hall of Fame for future needs, we’re insuring this world-class facility will survive and thrive in the future. With a foundation you’ll never have to do a fund drive to pay the electric bill,” said Link.

The former Governor also notes that people can make a financial commitment to the foundation and pay it off over a three to four year period and says, “making a contribution in someone’s name is a wonderful way to preserve the memory of a loved one.”

The 15,000-square-foot Hall of Fame is in the final stages of construction in Medora. Executive Director Darrell Dorgan says there will be a preview showing of the Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 28, in Medora. “Work will still be underway during the preview, but it offers a chance for those attending the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering to get a sneak peak. Work should be complete on the more than $3-million project and it should open for business in mid-June.”

Dorgan says the formal grand opening for the Hall of Fame will be held in connection with the group’s annual induction program in Medora on August 6.

The Hall of Fame, which tells the story of the plains horse culture, also features a 5,000- square-foot patio and meeting rooms that can be rented for business and social events.

Dorgan also notes the Hall of Fame is already booking events for the patio and meeting rooms which are available year around. “The facility can be rented to anyone who wants to hold a meeting, reunion or wedding in Medora, and catering and beverage service are available,” he said.

Dorgan says the organization still needs to raise about $500,000 to finish paying for the facility, but believes it can be accomplished within the next year. He calls the foundation set up by Governor Link, “a wonderful gift that will insure the Hall of Fame’s future.”Contributions for the project or funds designated for the Hall of Fame Foundation may be sent to The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1110 College Drive, Suite 216, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501.

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