In 1956, the citizens of Chester voted to form the Chester Cemetery. To fund, they levied a tax in order to build and maintain the cemetery to have a place to bury their loved ones. This beloved spot is meaningful to many who have family and friends laid to rest in the cemetery.
Founder’s of the Chester Cemetery
Cemetery prior to the Dixie Fire
This much revered cemetery was almost destroyed by the Dixie Fire. The administration building was leveled, all the equipment destroyed and over 40 trees felt the ravage of the flames. The district was able to secure a grant for $100,000 from FEMA to pay for the site clean-up and the damaged tree removal. But there was more work to be done to return the cemetery to its original beauty.
When funds were needed for the restoration of the damaged landscape, Wes Scott, Cemetery District Manager, came to the Almanor Foundation seeking assistance in fund raising for the beatification of the cemetery. By utilizing a TAF fund, the district could go about starting the project without the cost of administrative or accounting personnel; and without forming their own non-profit. TAF was more than happy to be part of the “rebirth” of the cemetery and support their efforts.
“This is exactly why the Almanor Foundation put in place,” says Judy Chynoweth, foundation chair. “When we can help an organization by managing the fund raising arm of their project, it re-enforces the purpose of the foundation and shows how it works for the betterment of all.”
Over $19,000 has been raised and continues to grow. Phase 1 of the landscaping project was recently completed planting young trees and shrubs with all vegetation purchased from the local nursery. Collins Pines also planted over a hundred Sequoia Trees around the perimeter of the cemetery this spring, which will eventually soften the view of the burn scar that surrounds the cemetery.
With the office building almost completed and with the planting being done, the district anticipates the cemetery will be returned to a place of peace and look better than ever.
“The districts job is to do the work. By partnering with the Almanor Foundation to oversee the administrative part of fund-raising, we can focus on the job,” says Scott. “And better yet, donors can see the beautification in process and see how collaborative efforts between associations gets the job done,” he adds.
Help us continue our work in creating a more vibrant community for all