Fundraising
"Show Your Concrete Support Fundraiser" starts June 1st, 2025. We need to raise $40K. We have the quote for this project and can complete it before the snow flies, if we can raise the money quickly and get on the contractors schedule.
The plan is to replace some broken concrete on the original floor and then to fill the hole on the south side of the Tabernacle where the original stage was. Everything we need to do to prepare for the new stage, hopefully next year.
Following the success of our June 2023 "Raise the Roof" Fundraiser, we signed a contract with MAS Roofing and Siding Company, a local company, to replace the decking and shingles this year. They have been supporters of the Tabernacle since the beginning of this journey and we are looking forward to working with them.
The Stephenson County community has been so supportive in the past. They love this building and it's a one-of-a-kind jewel in Illinois. In addition to your donations, here's a sampling of ways you could help.
- Start with your personal donation today. You can mail a check to: Save the Tabernacle, P.O. Box 725, Freeport, IL 61032 or use this link to donate electronically
- Call and/or text five of your friends and ask them to donate.
- If you have a June birthday, host a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser and donate the proceeds to the Tabernacle.
- Host a "coffee" for your neighbors and friends and pass the hat. We can send a representative, if requested. Call the contact number on our website.
- Email everyone on your email list.
- Help us on Social Media. Share our posts. Go to our Oakdale Tabernacle page, which you can like and follow AND join our FB group Friends of Oakdale Tabernacle and Freeport Park District where you can post memories and encouragement to others in the group.
- If you know someone with experience grant writing, and you think they might be interested helping, please let us know.
Support is Increasing
The Save the Tabernacle group wishes to thank the hundreds of people who have already provided financial support for the Save and Revive the Oakdale Tabernacle effort. Several large contributions from end of year IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMD’s), memorial gifts, and organizational donations have also bolstered our fund raising dramatically.
A Unique Opportunity to Help
100 Women Who Care of Stephenson County was one of our first supporters. One of our next steps is to look for more funding through grants. If you have experience, please let us know and consider donating your time to help in this way.
Drive to Revive
With your help and tax-deductible financial, donated material, or labor support, the Tabernacle at the Oakdale Nature Preserve can once again host educational programs, concerts, plays, weddings, family reunions, religious services, and public forums in one of the largest open space auditoriums in northwest Illinois.