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Dow Down, Donations Up
BY: Tom GillespieNov. 12, 2008
Generosity to N.C. Zoo Society Defies Economic Trends
ASHEBORO, N.C. — Even though the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down about 30 percent today from where it stood at the beginning of 2008 and despite myriad other economic indicators pointing toward gloomy horizons and leading to belt-tightening all around, friends of the North Carolina Zoological Society seem more determined than ever to support the North Carolina Zoo and conservation. Through the first ten months of 2008, net support and operating revenues to the Zoo Society are up 18 percent over the same period last year.
"We are truly gratified to find ourselves in this position during such tough economic times," said Russ Williams, N.C. Zoo Society executive director. "Our members, donors and friends clearly believe that wild things and wild places deserve support even when providing it might hurt a bit. We cannot thank them enough."
Through the end of October, the Zoo Society has received net support of more than $2.8 million, compared to $2.4 million through the first ten months of 2007. This comes from thousands of memberships and contributions ranging from $1 to $250,000.
Williams said that while no one can predict the future, passion for the N.C. Zoo, for wildlife conservation and for meaningful educational programming seems resilient so far this year.
"The fact that so many people continue to support us in times like these inspires us," Williams said. "We want to make the best possible use of the resources they provide."
The North Carolina Zoological Society is a private non-profit organization that supports the North Carolina Zoo and conservation.
The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor.