Foundation allocates $500,000 to Parkway for 2011 projects and programs

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraiser and trusted steward of the Blue Ridge Parkway. In this current economic climate with shrinking Federal budgets, the Foundation rises to the occasion and provides more support for the Parkway than ever before, providing $500,000 in funding for needed projects and programs. Superintendent of the Parkway, Phil Francis says, "The staff of the Parkway and I are very grateful to the Foundation for their very generous contribution to fund a variety of important needs that we have this year. Without their support, we would not be able to fund projects and programs that help us serve Parkway visitors, educate young people, and protect the Parkway for future generations."

 The Blue Ridge Parkway twists its way through some of the oldest and most diverse mountains in the world.  As the most visited National Park Unit, it drew over 16 million visitors last year. Although attracting visitors from all over the world, for those of us who live in and among its ridges, it is home. It is that sense of home, caring and mainly stewardship that drives countless members of our community to make a difference in safeguarding this American Treasure. “Thousands across North Carolina purchase the Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty License Plate or make a donation to the Foundation, and thus it is the community of caring committed stewards that makes our support of the Parkway possible” said, Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “We would like to thank the community for all their support, and if you see someone with a Blue Ridge Parkway Specialty License Plate, thank them for protecting the Parkway”.

The Foundation’s Chairman, Harvey Durham says, "The Board of Trustees of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is pleased to have the opportunity to make these funds available to assist the Blue Ridge Parkway in serving its visitors. We are also most appreciative and thankful for the generosity of those who make it possible for us to provide this assistance." A complete list of the approved projects for 2011 can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.brpfoundation.org/project_partners/2011-approved-funding/.