VALENTINES 2:1 FUND DRIVE TO SAVE SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN
So Far Community Crowdsharing has raised $100,000
4 months remain on OCLT’s option agreement to purchase the Sugar Loaf Mountain property.
The Orange County Land Trust has entered into a one-year option agreement with the landowner to purchase over 300 acres of forest, agricultural land, and rocky summit comprising Sugar Loaf Mountain. By purchasing this pristine landmark, we can permanently: • Protect water resources, forest, and wildlife habitat. • Secure the first-ever public access to the mountain for outdoor recreation. • Expand Goosepond Mountain State Park and connect trails.
Mountainville, NY (OCLT) – OCLT hopes to raise $200,000 through online contributions by early May. Toward that end, an anonymous donor in Chester recently approached OCLT offering to sponsor a 2 for 1 Giving Match through Valentine’s Day. Executive Director Jim Delaune stated that the match donor wanted to encourage people to chip in what they could and still make a big impact. He stated,“Show some love and they will show it back, as every $1 donated will be matched and doubled 2:1.”
Eight months have passed since the Orange County Land Trust secured an option agreement to purchase the $2.4M Sugar Loaf Mountain property. Since then, OCLT has powered through the lengthy due diligence process while embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise the funds needed to purchase the property. OCLT’s goal in this prominent land protection project is to ensure public access to the property by connecting the land to Goosepond Mountain State Park for recreation, while protecting the property’s sensitive habitats and water resources.
OCLT secured non-profit and commercial loans early in their campaign to help set a strong foundation for fundraising. OCLT has raised nearly $100,000 in donations from the community per their crowdsourcing page on the online fundraising platform, Fundrazr. According to Delaune, OCLT has received pledges from three individual community members offering their support through major gifts. “These pledged gifts will be difference makers,” said Delaune.
In addition to these contributions, OCLT anticipates receiving a non-profit grant that will further bridge the funding gap during what they consider to be the last and most important phase of their fundraising effort. Delaune said: “We’re on pace to complete this deal as planned thanks to dedication and enthusiasm of our incredible supporters, the community, County Government, the Town of Chester, and our conservation partners.”
OCLT has also received contributions from several local businesses, including: Exposures Gallery, FABCO Power, Landmark Inn, My Sister’s Closet, Rosner Soaps, Seely & Durland, and Tin Barn Brewing, among others.
To make a contribution, visit www.Fundrazr.com/SugarLoafMountain. For more information about the Land Trust’s Save the Mountain campaign, visit www.SaveSugarLoafMountain.org.
The Orange County Land Trust is dedicated to protecting Orange County's diverse habitats, watersheds, wildlife corridors, and working farmland through conservation agreements with willing landowners. To make a tax deductible donation or for more information, please visit www.oclt.org or call (845) 534-3690.
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