On Saturday November 19th the Comstock Foundation held a Volunteer Appreciation luncheon at the Donovan Mill.
Celebrating a year of major accomplishments by our intrepid volunteers who show up and generously donate their time. Major accomplishments this year include final repair of the Ingersol Rand IR Oil motor, which the volunteers got running this past week. A global search for this motor confirmed it’s the last one of its kind, and we are proud to be able to share it with future generations.
Other major accomplishments include finishing wiring and turning on the 3phase generator which powers 20 of the Donovan Mill stamps. A
new bridge was built over Gold Canyon Creek for emergency evacuation form the south end of the mill.
The Derrick house at the south end of the property was restored. Sixty new wood windows with over 480 panes of glass have been constructed and are being installed. The office has been converted into the visitors center and gift shop which is now open. Work has begun on restoring the old blacksmith shop at the north end of the property.
A security camera system was installed around and inside the mill with twelve cameras monitoring activity 24/7. A 10-stamp rotary stamp mill is being refurbished. Volunteers over many months have been restoring it to operating condition.
The Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters and Haunted Pursuit volunteer and host multiple ghost hunts and paranormal events for the foundation. Events held at the Donovan Mill, Cabin in the Sky and the Gold Hill Hotel are major fund- raising events with all the proceeds being donated to the Comstock Foundation.
Over the past several years they have contributed over $50,000.00.
Volunteers are The Lifeblood of the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture
Volunteer contributions range from so much knowledge to so many skills. It could be historical data or physical restorations. It could be seasoned skills or raw energy. It could be fund raising power or field expertise. Perhaps it’s a one-off contribution or an on-going commitment. Regardless of the contribution or the duration of your volunteer presence, you will feel great accomplishment and satisfaction and never regret the decision nor will the Comstock Foundation and the history that you are championing.
Did you know that we value volunteers so much, we literally place a monetary value on your time? In fact. our volunteer’s work may be more valuable than your regular work! Volunteering is an opportunity to get you family involved in a new shared experience. Volunteer time value is vital to the Foundations continued success and the sustainability of the Comstock history. We use volunteer hours to match funding for grants, critical for moving the Comstock restorations forward and spreading the word about protecting, preserving, restoring and celebrating this most amazing Comstock history.
We do not volunteer because it benefits us. We volunteer because it makes a lasting difference! The benefits of volunteering are countless. There are social, emotional, physical, and professional perks.
According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, you strengthen your community and your social network
when you volunteer. You make connections with the people you are helping, and you cultivate friendships with other volunteers.
We hope you’ll consider volunteering for the Comstock Foundation. In 2018 the Comstock Foundation received the Northern Nevada Development Authority’s Pioneer/Boundary Peak Award for best nonprofit of the year. Our volunteers were the reason for our success, and we are improving our mission every year thanks to their support.
Download Article Here
