Ahrens-NRPA Institute campaign leaders are "fulfilling the challenge." (National Recreation and Park Association)

The leaders of The Ahrens National Recreation and Park Association Institute fundraising campaign, "Fulfilling the Challenge," are working on an exciting and demanding task: raising $1.5 million for NRPA's new home. Since May, National Chairman Anne Close and Vice-Chairs Katie Porter, Eric O'Brien, and Bob Toalson have been planning, making presentations to fellow NRPA members, and working with NRPA staff and fundraising counsel to develop and put in place the best strategies for meeting the end-of-the-year fundraising deadline.

"Meeting the challenge before us is absolutely vital for the future of NRPA," says Chairman Anne Close. "Having the Ahrens-NRPA Institute will free up the funds we now pay in rent and allow us to use that money for programs and projects directly benefiting our members--projects like helping youths at risk and educating the public about the relationship between physical and mental wellbeing. And the new building will 'put us on the map' nationally. It will give us greater presence and influence, enable us to reach more people, and more effectively make the case for the importance of strong parks and recreation programs. We can't let Claude's magnificent challenge go unmet."

Fulfilling the Challenge: The Ahrens National Recreation and Park Institute Campaign" was created by NRPA in response to member Claude Ahrens' generous challenge of last fall. It was then that Mr. Ahrens announced he would donate $1 million to NRPA for a new building if NRPA could raise--by December 31, 1994--an additional $1 million. It is estimated that a total of $2.5 million will be needed in gifts and pledges, to build the Institute. Thus the overall goal for the campaign is to raise at least $1 million by the end of this year to meet Mr. Aherns' challenge and an additional $500,000 as soon as possible.

This past spring, the national leadership for the campaign was established. Four "superstars" in the NRPA galaxy of members--including two former board chairmen and a past NRPA president--were asked to volunteer their time and talents and all quickly agreed.

Vice-Chair Bob Toalson, who's overseeing the fundraising from NRPA's professional members, describes why he said "yes" to the call. "I've been an NRPA member for 35 years. This association has done a great deal for me, and I can partially 'pay back' that debt by doing everything I can to see this building funded and completed. I believe in NRPA, what it stands for, what it promotes, and what it teaches professionals and the public about parks and recreation. There's a tremendous need for a national location, a national center, a focal point for our profession and cause. The Ahrens-NRPA Institute will give us that."

In addition to being the national headquarters for NRPA, The Ahrens-NRPA Institute will serve members and the public by housing a parks and recreation information resource center, NRPA's publications center, the Joseph Lee Memorial Library and Archives, a state-of-the-art visitors center, and, on its grounds, a model park highlighting the best of park and open space design. To be located on a site in suburban Northern Virginia, the Ahrens Institute will be NRPA's long hoped for permanent national home, but not without a lot of hard work. Eric O'Brien, campaign vice-chair who's leading the fundraising effort with NRPA's supplier and business members adds, "We've got a lot to do to get the word out about how important creating The Ahrens-NRPA Institute is. There are too many people, even within the parks and recreation field, who don't appreciate the many programs, publications, educational opportunities, and other things NRPA does to help them and how much it does to educate the public, especially government, about parks and recreation. Our parks and rec professionals, and the supporting recreation industry, provide relaxation, stress relief, peaceful surroundings and natural beauty to millions of people.

We encourage and guide young people in our communities that are receiving help from precious few other sources. How could anyone not want to be involved in helping NRPA and thereby helping themselves? Being part of this campaign to raise the funds for The Ahrens-NRPA Institute is the greatest work I can do right now for our profession. Deciding to take part in the campaign will be among the most important decisions our members and friends face in the near future."

A Project for the People

Fifteen-year NRPA member and campaign vice-chair Katie Porter agrees: "Raising the money to build The Ahrens-NRPA Institute is our opportunity to show the world who and what we are. This building and its surrounding area will give every NRPA member a sense of pride in their association and their profession. It will be our national symbol and resource center." Echoing a sentiment given by all the leaders of the campaign, Katie stressed that one of the defining reasons she became involved with the campaign was her respect and affection for her fellow NRPA members.

"The people with NRPA are genuine. They care. They're always giving, in their work, in their communities, and to their profession. They know how to have fun. They're 'people people.' I want to be part of making this great organization even greater."

Campaign Chair Anne Close summed up the leadership committee's position, "I'm extremely pleased by the response we've had so far from our members who want to support this campaign. It's tremendously exciting to see people rally together to meet a big goal and a short deadline." When asked what lies in the future Anne says, "We've got a way to go to meet the December 31 deadline. Expect to hear from us soon."

For additional information about The Ahrens-National Recreation and Park Association Institute campaign, contact Kirk McAlexander at the NRPA office, 703-578-5569.

A Tremendous Opportunity for ALL of Us

The Ahrens Challenge Capital Campaign is fortunate to have Earl Groves of Gastonia, North Carolina, leading its advance gifts phase.

Civic leader, raconteur, wild turkey hunter, Mr. Groves is one of NRPA's most admired citizen members. He is a former chairman of the NRPA Board of Trustees and a recipient of the Ralph C. Wilson NRPA Award and many other honors in the field of parks, recreation, and fitness.

He has led many civic and philanthropic causes, as mayor of Gastonia, past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Gaston College, and trustee of Gardner Webb College. His business interests include Weymouth Management Corporation, Avon Bonded Warehouse, and the New South Athletic Company. He is a member of the Board of Directors of First Union National Bank.

Asked why he decided to help lead the campaign for the Ahrens-NRPA Institute, Mr. Groves responded as follows: "We have a tremendous opportunity with this campaign. That's why I've made my pledge and will be helping approach others to do the same. On the financial side alone, the new Institute will be of great benefit to our membership, freeing up some $200,000 a year for NRPA programs and public advocacy on behalf of the entire American parks and recreation movement.

"I've been involved with NRPA since 1966. I think I speak for all of us who helped start the organization when I say that what Claude Ahrens has done with his challenge gift is give us the chance to crown our early efforts. We dreamed of NRPA's being what it now can be. By raising this money and meeting his challenge, we will put NRPA on a sound financial basis and put it in a permanent headquarters that will serve as a national and international beacon for our work and the essential role we play in communities everywhere.

"It's very important that meeting the goal be a team effort between our professional, citizen, and corporate members. This has been the theme of NRPA from the start. It's what's made NRPA unique. And I think it's what it's going to take to make the Ahrens challenge campaign work. It's not going to be easy. We're talking about a lot of money. But if parks and recreation professionals make an impact on the $1.5 million goal, citizens and companies will also come through in a fine way, I feel confident.

"I'm pleased to be able to be working with Anne, Bob, Katie, and Eric to fulfill Claude's magnificent challenge."