#GivingTuesday a Success for Friends of the Smokies

Friends of the Smokies raised $27,000 for Great Smoky Mountains National Park on #GivingTuesday, a globally-recognized day inspiring people to celebrate giving back by donating to nonprofit organizations in their communities.

$17,000 in donations received by Friends of the Smokies on December 1, 2015 were met with $10,000 in matching funds provided by Patagonia and Home Federal Bank.

“We are thrilled at the outpouring of support on #GivingTuesday this year,” said Director of Marketing Brent McDaniel. “Thank you to everyone who donated and helped spread the word.”

Friends of the Smokies set a goal to raise $10,000 yesterday to pair with matching funds, more than twice the organizations one-day goal in 2014, and four times the target set in 2013.

“Generous people from all around the country rose to the occasion and exceeded our expectations,” said Jim Hart, President. “As we look ahead to the National Park Service’s Centennial Anniversary in 2016, we are grateful for such strong support from our friends.”

With more than 10 million visitors each year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited park in the nation and one of a few major national parks where admission is free. Friends of the Smokies raises money and support to fund critical projects and programs including wildlife management, preservation of more than 90 historic structures, and hands-on curriculum-based education for more than 18,000 students through Parks As Classrooms. For more information, please visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Photo Credit: View from Newfound Gap Overlook by Holly Scott Jones.