A group of local experts convened by Metro met for the first time yesterday to discuss fundraising for a memorial at Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery. The committee will develop a campaign aimed to raise $2 million to build a memorial for the southwest portion of the cemetery. Founded in 1855, Lone Fir is the burial ground of some of Portland's most prominent first residents.
Metro has been working with partners and the surrounding community to recognize early Chinese immigrants and patients of Dr. Hawthorne, founder of Portland's first mental health hospital, interred at the southwest corner of the cemetery, referred to as Block 14. The Metropolitan Group, a strategic communications firm located in Portland, has been retained to support the committee in developing the fundraising plan and implementation strategy.
The committee is comprised of leaders from the Chinese Benevolent Association of Portland, Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery, Portland Fire & Rescue, Lango Hansen Landscape Architecture, Dr. Hawthorne's family, former member of the Oregon Pioneer Cemetery Commissioner Stan Clarke, former Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey, and former Multnomah County Commissioner and Metro Councilor Tanya Collier.
As the committee is not yet complete, and Metro would very much like to have representation from the neighboring area, those interested in serving should contact Rachel Fox, Cemetery Program Manager at 503-797-1856 or email [email protected]