Foundation honors Abbott-Everhardt Society members on 25th anniversary

Photo by Kaitlin Trimboli
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Rachel Stasny, Marielle DeJong, Cabell Brand, and David Huff pause for a picture. Rachel Stasny, Marielle DeJong, Cabell Brand, and David Huff pause for a picture.
December 8, 2022

We were thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary with a special event on Thursday, Nov. 17, at Highland Brewing Company. More than 100 guests attended to mark the nonprofit’s years of support for projects and programs that enhance the country’s most visited national park. 

The event also honored the leaders who have guided the organization since its start in 1997. Past chairs of the board of trustees were inducted into the newly created Abbott-Everhardt Society, named for the Parkway’s original landscape architect, Stanley Abbott, and late Director of the National Park Service and Parkway Superintendent, Gary Everhardt. 

The society’s members are W. Louis Bissette Jr. and Bob Shepherd of Asheville; Houck Medford of Blowing Rock; Greg Brown of Fairview; Gary Stewart of Matthews; Ken Wilson of Waynesville; Harvey Durham of Boone;  Alfred Adams, Pat Shore Clark, Linda Combs, Hobie Cawood, and Cynthia Tessien of Winston-Salem; Jack Betts of Meadows of Dan, Va.; Broaddus Fitzpatrick of Roanoke, Va.; and current chair John Mitchell of Hendersonville.

“It was so wonderful to join in celebration with our supporters and champions for the Parkway. Hundreds of projects were made possible over the last 25 years because of the dedication of our community. We look forward to the legacy impacts to come over the next 25 years,” said Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Foundation. 

Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout also addressed the guests, who enjoyed live music from John Herrmann & Friends, a special Anniversary Ale by Highland Brewing Company, and hors d’oeuvres. 

First Citizens Bank is the premier sponsor of the Foundation’s 25th anniversary events. Forever Mountain sponsored the Asheville celebration. 

Photos by Kaitlin Trimboli Photography

 

 

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  • Broaddus Fitzpatrick with Jack and Martha Betts. Fitzpatrick and Jack were inducted into the Abbott-Everhardt Society.
  • Ashley Rice and Ben Wilder with the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority with Kids in Parks Program Director Jason Urroz at the 25th anniversary celebration.
  • John Herrmann and Friends play during the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration on Nov. 17 at Highland Brewing Company.
  • Deb McDowell and Cynthia Tessien celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration.
  • Bob Stout and Sam Johnson enjoy a lively conversation during the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration.
  • N.C. Rep. Caleb Rudow, Board Chair John Mitchell, and Trustees Greg Andeck and David Huff celebrate the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration.
  • Marielle DeJong talks with another guest during the celebration.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Project Manager Kevin Brand and Trustee Paul Bonesteel raise a glass.
  • Bob and Brenda Shepherd enjoy the celebration.
  • Joe Ward, Carla Trull, and Jeff Hassel enjoy the celebration.
  • Leesa Brandon with the National Park Service speaks with Paul Bonesteel at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration on Nov. 17 at Highland Brewing Company.
  • Angie McDonald applauds during the program.
  • Rachel Stasny with the National Park Service and Klaus Wagner enjoy the festivities.
  • Louis Bissette, Alfred Adams, and Jack Betts welcome Hobie Cawood to the lineup of Abbott-Everhardt Society members.
  • Board chair John Mitchell is welcomed into the Abbott-Everhardt Society.
  • Board members Cynthia Tessien and Rebecca Reeve enjoy the program.
  • Deanna Ballard and additional guests enjoy the program.
  • Deb Flowers with the National Park Service talks with guests during the celebration.
  • Sara and Louis Bissette with Beth and Alfred Adams.
  • Joe Ward, Greg Burnette, and Carla Henry with First Citizens Bank, the premiere sponsor of the Foundation’s 25 th anniversary celebrations.
  • Board member Sam Johnson, Karen Searle with America’s National Parks, and Chief Development Officer Jordan Calaway enjoy the celebration.
  • Ben Hill and Gary Johnson during the celebration.
  • Meredith and John Mitchell during the celebration.
  • Gary Johnson and CEO Carolyn Ward during the celebration.
  • Board Chair John Mitchell joins in with John Herrmann & Friends for a tune.
  • Former Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis hugs Foundation Advisors Becky Anderson.
  • Jane and Bob Lassiter
  • Hobie and Addie-Lou Cawood
  • Foundation CEO Carolyn Ward and Karen Searle
  • Jordan Calaway, Julie Hettiger, and Carolyn Ward
  • Lou and Sara Bissette with Beth and Alfred Adams at the celebration.
  • Marellen and John Struhar
  • Gary and Sandra Johnson
  • Rachel Stasny, Marielle DeJong, Cabell Brand, and David Huff enjoy the celebration.