Success of challenge match helps extend Heritage Trail
Photo by Kerry Kelly
Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, Inc. is pleased to announce the success of the Traverse City Track Club challenge match for the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Thanks to more than 120 donors the $25,000 match was met by the Dec. 31, which secured an additional $5,000 bonus from the Club. The challenge match spurred the support needed to begin constructing the next four-mile segment from the Dune Climb to Empire this year.
“The TC Track Club challenge helped remind trail supporters that it takes many generous hearts to make great things happen,” said an ecstatic campaign tri-chair Brad Anderson, who also owns Anderson’s Market in Glen Arbor. “We really appreciate donors’ continued commitment to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail!”
“The TC Track Club is dedicated to supporting local recreation, youth and adult running programs, and making our community a better place to live, work, and play,” added TC Track Club board president Karen Wells. “The club is pleased to share with our community the proceeds from our many successful events such as the Bayshore Marathon & Half Marathon, the Remembrance Run, the Lighthouse Half Marathon, and the Jingle Bell Run. In 2012, the TC Track Club donated over $215,000 to local non-profits.”
Fundraising for the Heritage Trail continues for the connection from Glen Arbor to Port Oneida. A permanent donor plaza will be constructed at the base of the Dune Climb to recognize donors of $1,000 to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Well-known local artist Glenn Wolff created an illustrated map of the trail and donors of $5,000 or more will receive a limited edition signed print. Donations may be made online at SleepingBearTrail.org, or by contacting Pam Darling, Development Director of TART Trails, at (231) 941-4300.
