Fulfilling the challenge: as association united soars to new heights.

In an unprecedented fundraising effort the National Recreation and Park Association has raised over $1.5 million in gifts and pledges (as of February 11) in its Fulfilling the Challenge campaign. The Association rose to the occasion when Iowa businessman Claude Ahrens pledged to donate $1 million if NRPA would generate a matching amount. The funds will be used in the construction of a progressive institute designed to advance recreation and parks into the 21st Century and beyond.

Without hesitation, NRPA accepted the Ahrens challenge--possibly the Association's most extensive undertaking. The Association has reached its initial goal. Officially named Fulfilling the Challenge, the campaign surpassed the million dollar mark well ahead of the December 31, 1994 deadline established by Mr. Ahrens and has been so successful that the Campaign Committee has increased their overall goal to $1.75 million.

Characterizing recreation and parks' far-reaching impact, over 240 leadership pledges--ranging from $1,500 to $350,000--have come in from corporations ($686,000), park professionals ($345,000), citizens ($241,000), and foundations ($100,000). Associations in 41 states have pledged over $162,000 toward the new institute's "Hall of States."

Hitting the ground running and reaching the initial goal has created a cohesion throughout the NRPA leadership and among the members. "In the Ahrens drive, NRPA has tackled a huge project and is making a great success of it," said Board member and Committeeman Earl Groves of Gastonia, North Carolina. The campaign has pulled us together as never before. It is a tremendous step in propelling NRPA and the recreation and park movement to the top of the hill as we enter the 21st Century."

The excitement of the campaign's momentum was felt by all in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Over $350,000 in pledges came in during NRPA's 1994 Congress for Recreation and Parks held there last October. Galvanized by the excitement, hundreds of members made their own personal commitments.

Even after the October Congress, parks and recreation professionals, advocates, and suppliers continue to pledge their support. Committed to maintaining the campaign's momentum, committee leaders continue their fundraising efforts.

"We are thrilled with the results of the campaign to date and thank each of the 500 NRPA members and suppliers who have made pledges so far," says Campaign Chair Anne Close of Ft. Mill, South Carolina. "It has been very gratifying to see so many of you responding so generously. But we will not rest until every last dollar needed has been raised. NRPA members will soon hear more about the campaign and have a chance to make their own pledges. I hope that each of you will begin thinking seriously now about your own pledges and be ready to respond generously when the opportunity presents itself."

RELATED ARTICLE: Fulfilling the Challenge Campaign Leaders

Anne Close Ft. Mill, South Carolina Chair

Bob Toalson Champaign, Illinois Vice Chair, Professionals

Katie Porter Mendham, New Jersey Vice Chair, Citizens

Eric O'Brien Medfield, Massachusetts Vice Chair, Corporate

Earl Groves Gastonia, North Carolina Vice Chair, Advance Gifts

RELATED ARTICLE: MUSCO BECOMES THE PACESETTER

The outlook for the future of the park and recreation profession took another positive step recently with the announcement by the Musco Sports Lighting Company that their team of people will underwrite the auditorium for the new Ahrens NRPA Institute with a gift of $350,000.

In making the gift the company president Joe Crookham, said that he believes the future of the recreation profession is critical to the well-being of America's lifestyle. They are one of our best chances of making a difference in developing youth and restoring family through participating together in activities."

"Musco became the pacesetter for our campaign with their commitment at the opening ceremonies in Minneapolis," said Anne Close, Fund Raising Chairperson. "We're delighted with their final decision."

Chris Jarvi, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director from Anaheim, and NRPA Trustee, who worked with Musco in establishing the gift, related that Crookham agreed to help create some early initiative in the fund drive but wanted time to talk with his team members, ranging from field sales personnel to production workers at their plant. After getting feedback, which indicated that more than two-thirds of the people would give personally to the project, Crookham decided to make the commitment of $350,000. This is the largest gift we have ever made," said Crookham. The Musco team members understand that it is important to care and share with the customers we serve," he commented.