History of Benefit for the Basin
2013
As a non-profit agency, the Klamath County Fairgrounds depends on proceeds from events, sponsors, and the community. Members of the community identified a need to support this vital resource in Klamath County, and Benefit for the Basin was born in 2013.
The first Benefit for the Basin was held at Klamath Basin Equipment, 42 cars entered the show, and one lucky winner drove away in a Ford Mustang giveaway car. The event raised almost $7,000 for the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
2014
In 2014, the Benefit for the Basin was moved to the Klamath County Fairgrounds. Over 100 cars took center stage with entries coming from OR, CA, and NV. This event was not just a car show: A live band played a wide variety of music, there were bounce houses and face painting for the kids, local merchants donated raffle prizes that were given out throughout the day. Local businesses set up booths for people to peruse. There was free food, free admission and parking for spectators. Lots of positive comments came from folks who came out to support the event.
There were a lot of local businesses involved in building the 1966 Plymouth Satellite GTX clone, and one happy lady was the winner of the giveaway car.
That event raised almost $41,000 for Benefit fot the Basin and Klamath County Fairgounds! A huge thank you to all who helped make this possible.
2015
Benefit for the Basin partnered with the Klamath County Fairgrounds for an extensive lighting upgrade proect. Benefit for the Basin provided $20,000 to qualify the fairgrounds for a matching funds grant project which was completed in 2015. Not only did this dramatically improve the quality of the lighting in the arena, there will be a long term return for the fairgrounds in electricity savings.
We had the opportunity to be involved with City of Lights, a Henley High School program that sends students to Europe, and Benefit for the Basin efforts helped this great organization raise over $18,000 towards their goals.
Benefit for the Basin sponsored a live concert event during the Klamath County Fair. Through this assistance, the Fairgrounds were in a position to bring an entertainer that generates revenue for their program.
The Car show in Septemer 2015 brought out over 150 cars, more local vendors than previous years, and a lot of local businesses were involved in building a 1971 Dodge Dart and a 1971 Ford pickup. Two local Oregon Institute of Technology students drove home in the two giveaway vehicles. Overall, Benefit for the Basin was able to generate $66,000 that would help the Fairgrounds and many local youth organizations in 2016.
2016
Benefit for the Basin had the opportunity to be involved with City of Lights again, a Henley High School program that sends students to Europe. Benefit for the Basin efforts helped them raise money towards their goals.
Benefit for the Basin once again was able to sponsor a live concert event during the Klamath County Fair. Through this assistance, the Fairgrounds were in a position to bring an entertainer that generates revenue for their program.
The car show in Septenber 2016 brought out over 250 cars, more local vendors than previous years, and a lot of local businesses were involved in building a 1966 Ford Mustang and a 1966 Chevy Impala. The Ford Mustang was won by a Reno resident, and the Impala was won by a local Klamath Falls resident.
Overall, Benefit for the Basin was able to generate $105,000 that will help the Fairgrounds and many local youth organizations in 2017. A new record for our organization!
2017
In 2017, Benefit again was able to build two cars; a 1968 Chevy C10 Pickup and 1973 MGB. The generous sponsors and individuals helped the Benefit raise just over $94,000. With additional funding from our 2016 event, the board decided to expand our Benefit for the Basin High School Scholarship Program.
We increased our scholarships for graduating high school seniors from $250 to $500, and added home schools and GED continuing education. In May 2017 we awarded 27 scholarships, totaling $13,500.
2018
The Benefit added a Friday Night Charity Dinner and Auction which was a huge success. Proceeds from the auction plus raffle ticket sales and proceeds from the Saturday’s car show saw a new high for the Benefit at over $119,000 raised for the year.
Twenty-four, $500 Scholarships were awarded for a total of $24,000.
2019
Drag Racing, special guests and a gorgeous 1968 Pontiac Firebird really got the public excited. Raffle ticket sales were great, the roar of engines in the first time 100-foot Drag races were loud, and the excitement of having the crew of TV’s Bitchin’ Rides at the two-day event was crazy.
Dave Kindig, Kev-Dog, Ryan and the rest of the crew were social, exciting and fun to meet Friday night and Saturday. They, along with so many other were very generous at both the auction Friday night and during the event on Saturday… it proved contagious and saw the total for the 2019 season hit a new record high.
Over $192,000 dollars was raised for the year. The Benefit board and committee members had a specific goal, which we achieved. Beginning in 2020 the Scholarship award would be raised to $750 per student.
2020
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, all 2020 Benefit fund raising events were cancelled.
Twenty-four, $750 scholarships were awarded for a total of $18,000, given to deserving youth from all high school in Klamath County and the Klamath Basin.
2021
2021 promises to be a banner year for Benefit for the Basin! Watch for us on Facebook to find out about special guests and new, exciting events planned for the 2021 season.
Progress doesn’t happen without your support and participation. We THANK YOU and look forward to seeing you again soon.
