Million Dollar Challenge To Support Greening
The Morton Arboretum Receives Significant Commitment for Capital Campaign
LISLE, IL (September 4, 2007) – Supporters of The Morton Arboretum are offering an extra incentive to get involved in creating a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.
Sherry and Bob Reum, who serves as Chairman of the Board of the Trustees, invite all who believe in keeping the world green, and in helping children appreciate trees and nature, to make a gift to The Morton Arboretum and see it double in value. The Reums will match, dollar for dollar, up to $1 million, all gifts and pledges from new donors contributing to the Branching Out! Capital Campaign. Such gifts and pledges must be made by December 31, 2007.
“Branching Out! is a $45 million redevelopment plan designed for the Arboretum to expand its reach to a wider audience, offering more public service and value,” explained Dr. Gerard T. Donnelly, President and CEO of The Morton Arboretum.
The redevelopment has yielded new gardens, facilities, programs, and amenities, such as the four-acre Children’s Garden, Maze Garden, environmentally-friendly Visitor Center and parking lot, welcoming main entrance, Prairie Visitor Station, and Meadow Lake restoration. According to Donnelly, the enhancements engage visitors in the Arboretum mission to encourage the planting and protection of trees, as well as to influence children to become effective future stewards of the environment.
The plan is working, says Donnelly. Attendance has nearly doubled since 2004, and membership has risen, as the Arboretum carries out its mission for the public good through research, plant collections, education programs, and visitor services.
The new gardens “provide unique opportunities for exploration, learning, and enjoyment in the natural world,” adds Jill Koski, Arboretum Vice President of Development. “The exhibits and grounds are ‘immersive,’ meaning that you get right into nature and experience its delights through sight, sound, touch, and smell.”
The Reums’ gift will match funds from those who have not previously donated to support Branching Out!. Gifts and pledges will be accepted at all levels. The Reums’ gift is part of an overall effort to raise the final $2.2 million of the capital campaign’s $18 million public portion.
The Arboretum is a nonprofit organization that relies upon donations for support. With the exception of occasional grants, the Arboretum does not receive tax support or other public funds. As the Arboretum expands its programs and services for the benefit of trees, people, and the community, increased philanthropic support is necessary. Individuals or companies wishing to donate to the capital campaign may contact the Development office at The Morton Arboretum (4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532, 630-725-2027).
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,057 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Central Time. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630-968-0074 to learn more.
Media Contact: Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103,
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Marty Cusack, 630-719-5768,
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