Friends of the Smokies Telethon Tops $200,000 (again)

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park raised $201,209 through its 17th annual �Friends Across the Mountains� telethon � topping the $200,000 mark for the sixth year in a row. The total for all �Friends Across the Mountains� telethons since 1995 is now nearly $2.5 million.



�We think this is the only telethon benefiting a national park. For 17 years telethon funding has protected wildlife, strengthened park environmental education programs, and improved our visitors� experiences in so many ways,� said Dale Ditmanson, Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.



The telethon total was helped along with many generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations, including $2,300 from Twin City Nissan in Alcoa. Twin City donates $100 to Friends of the Smokies from the sale of every zero-emission, 100% electric LEAF vehicle.



Donations came in from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee- and even Texas. The event was broadcast on Knoxville�s WBIR-TV and Asheville�s WLOS-TV, and webcast, as well.



Since 1993, the not-for-profit Friends of the Smokies organization has raised more than $34 million to help maintain Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a crown jewel of the national park system.



Donations can always be made to Friends of the Smokies by calling (800) 845-5665 or visiting www.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.





Jeff

HikingintheSmokys.com

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