In preparing a grant request to Oklahoma History, the Friends of the Ferguson needed to quantify the value of volunteer hours and other donations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates $34.79 for 2024 per volunteer hour is used. The value of donated hours and in-kind gifts make up a sizable portion of the Friends of the Ferguson budget. I calculate a conservative estimate of 1286 hours’ worth or $38,570 of volunteer time in the past 12 months. I am sure I am missing names and items, and I apologize. The Board says “THANK YOU”.
Volunteer hours contribute to the educational/cultural programs we conducted. In October 2024, Andy and Linda Barrett donated the use of their convertible, and the Watonga Theatre donated hats and tuxedo for the Cheese Festival parade. The Ferguson Good Government Symposium in Nov. 2025 required much volunteer time to coordinate the 13 elected speakers. The Chisholm Trail Technology Center donated space and tech support.
In December, the Espys led the decorating of the Ferguson Home and played host as Santa and Mrs. Claus while Connie Burcham hosted the booth at the Holiday Bazaar and oversaw voting for best holiday trees (donated by businesses). In January, February, May and June, we had expert speakers on our 1893 Jail, African American Heritage, National Preservation Month and National Flag Day. Each speaker declined honoraria and mileage, but there was a lot of volunteer time including preparing and serving refreshments.
In February, the Ferguson benefitted greatly from the Noble House and Watonga Community Theatre presenting a dinner theater and donating the proceeds. Up to 15 actors spent hours memorizing, practicing and performing while the audience enjoyed steaks. Many volunteered for this activity. For the Ferguson Tea, an estimated 200 hours of volunteer time was donated led by Michelle Mendenhall, Janine Espy and Teresa Bryan with many others participating as table hosts, live entertainment, games and costumes.
Then there are volunteer hours repairing the tree-damaged fence, replacing the downed tree, replacing six windows on the third floor, weeding and planting gardens. We thank the city, which owns the property, for maintaining the yard, utilities, communications, insurance and the use after hours of the library. We thank you for these selfless hours and in-kind gifts of volunteering and collaboration of many people, organizations, and city government.