Open Space campaign Makes its Match

by Dave Weinstein, El Cerrito Trail Trekkers president

​Thanks to the generosity and foresight of so many people in and around El Cerrito, the El Cerrito Open Space Campaign brought in enough donations between October 12 and November to meet a challenge grant.

​All the funds will help the city buy the gorgeous 8-acre Madera Open Space in the Hillside.

Martie and Chris Conner, residents of El Cerrito, put up $5,000 as a challenge grant. For every dollar we raised during the period, they would add a dollar. The challenge spurred many donors. Starting at the Music for Madera Festival we spread the word — and raised $7,055 in straight donations. That doesn’t count ticket sales or auction or food sales at the concert.

Thank you donors and thank you Martie and Chris!

We have now raised about $73,000. But — our goal is $100,000 and we have only have through December to make it. Remember — donations buy open space that will be preserved forever. Donations mean the city will have more money for other park and open space uses. Donations show the city that we the people want to acquire and preserve other hillside open spaces. Donations feel good.

I would particularly like to encourage some of our local businesses to donate. Donors are acknowledged on our sign on Moeser Lane, on the website and in other ways. Our largest business donor so far, with a generous contribution, is East Bay Sanitary Co., a family-owned, three generation business.

For more information, to donate, or to get involved visit the Madera Hillside Open Space information webpage, send a check payable to “City of El Cerrito” with memo: “Madera Hillside Acquisition” to Pam Austin, El Cerrito Open Space Campaign Treasurer, 834 Kearney Street, El Cerrito CA 94530, or contact Dave Weinstein, [email protected].