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Organizers put on fund-raisers for Field of Dreams completion By SANNE SPECHT for the Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER - Only two items to the tune of $100,000 remain before the Chieftain Field of Dreams athletic stadium becomes a reality: grandstand seating and a parking lot. Started in fall 2000, the Field of Dreams project has received more than $530,000 in donated materials, equipment, labor and cash to build a new stadium for soccer, football and track at the high school. As the Aug. 1 completion deadline quickly approaches, organizers are putting on several fund-raisers and making a final call for donations. The fund-raiser for this month is a benefit fine-art auction. Oil and acrylic paintings by local artists Ed Chance, Tom Brooks and Medora Nankervis will be up for bid, as will metal sculpture by Charlie Smith. The auction also will feature watercolor paintings, serigraphs, etchings, lithographs and bronze sculptures contributed by community members and businesses. The artwork will be on display at Alexander's Framing and Art Gallery at 211 Pine St. from Monday through March 30. Bids will be taken at the gallery or by phone at (541) 582-1245 or toll-free at (888) 698-1754. A reception is planned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 30 at the gallery. Those attending will have an opportunity to meet the artists in person and make their final bids. Ellen Campbell, owner of Alexander's Gallery and event coordinator, says she's happy to participate in the fund-raising efforts. "I am so proud a community of this small size has pulled together to complete a project of this magnitude," she says. On June 1, another fund-raiser is scheduled to coincide with the stadium's track dedication ceremony. An "All Come" track event will kick off the day's raffles and auctions. Items to be raffled include a Jet Ski, snowmobile and four footballs autographed by NFL players. Ron Smith, president of the Chieftain Field of Dreams Organization, has sent letters to supporters detailing costs for the remaining work and asking for donations. Wall of Donors plaques are available for $1,000 and above. Plaques may honor an individual or group. A "Path of Recognition" purchase-a-brick program features custom-engraved bricks. For a $50 donation, a brick will be permanently located in the walk area around the stadium totem pole and Wall of Donors. The Chieftain Field of Dreams Organization can be reached at (541) 582-1923 or P.O. Box 1760 Rogue River, OR 97537. All donations are tax deductible. Sanne Specht is a free-lance writer living in Rogue River. Reach her at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.