FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2023
Media contact: Lydia Saldaña
817.851.5729
lsaldana@tpwf.org
Fundraising Campaign Launched to Celebrate 100 Years of Texas State Parks
Match Offered by Texas Foundations for Park Projects Across the State
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) is commemorating 100 years of Texas State Parks by inviting all Texans to give back to the parks they love by making a donation to a fundraising campaign launched this month. Over the course of the year, TPWF will raise $2 million to fund exciting projects at all Texas State Parks to complement existing offerings and help our parks thrive for the next 100 years.
From dark sky viewing equipment at Davis Mountains State Park to a pontoon boat for marsh tours at Sea Rim State Park, shade trees at Balmorhea State Park’s iconic pool, water bottle filling stations, search and rescue equipment, and so much more, each of these projects will allow Texas State Parks to continue delighting visitors of all ages for generations to come.
Major support for the centennial fundraising campaign comes from the Centennial Champions, a group of Texas philanthropic leaders who understand the enduring significance of our state parks. The Centennial Champions include the Fondren Foundation, The John M. O’Quinn Foundation, and The Elkins Foundation, with additional supporters to be announced during the year. Thanks to the generous support of the Centennial Champions, all donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of each and every gift.
“Texas State Parks have been places of respite and recreation for generations of visitors,” said TPWD executive director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., “Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has supported parks since its inception in 1991, from the acquisition of Powderhorn Ranch to the development and construction of Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, along with a myriad of other projects that have enhanced the visitor experience at parks across the state. We are thankful that at this moment in our history, TPWF is once again leading the way in marshalling support for our parks, and we are grateful for the Texas foundations that have come on board with this generous match.”
TPWF collaborated with park superintendents at every Texas State Park to create a list of projects that will provide the greatest benefit for each park. Those projects are detailed on the dedicated fundraising website, TexasParks100.org. You can search for projects to support by choosing the park that is closest to your home or heart, or by category, such as dark sky investments. The projects will directly impact your favorite park and the wild things who call it home. Each and every donation will be matched, dollar-for-dollar.
“For 100 years, our state parks have been places of awe and discovery,” said TPWF Board Chairman Mike Greene. “We hope all Texans will make a gift at TexasParks100.org to help keep them that way for future generations of Texas.”
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is partnering with TPWD and H-E-B to celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks throughout 2023. H-E-B is the presenting sponsor of the celebration and is helping Texas State Parks engage all Texans in discovering and enjoying their state parks.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, raises private funds to advance Texas’ proud outdoor traditions and conserve our state’s wildlife, habitat, recreational areas, and natural resources. Since 1991, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has invested more than $235 million in efforts to ensure that all Texans, today and in the future, can enjoy the wild things and wild places of Texas.
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Printable PDF of Press Release HERE.
