Easter Weekend Fundraiser for the Middle Fork Greenway Project Nets $48,350

20150423_161241 — Local business owners gather at a “check collection celebration” to benefit the Middle Fork Greenway. Photo by Jesse Wood

By Jesse Wood

Fifty five businesses and seven individuals raised $48,350 during the Easter Weekend fundraiser on behalf of the Middle Fork Greenway project. The results were announced at a “check collection celebration” in between Mystery Hill and Tweetsie Railroad on Thursday afternoon.

Appalachian Ski Mtn.’s General Manager Brad Moretz, who plans to make this an annual fundraiser, spearheaded the fundraiser by announcing that he would extend the ski season at the resort through Easter Weekend and donate all ski-ticket sales on that Saturday to the Middle Fork Greenway initiative. Dozens of other business jumped on board with the majority agreeing to pledge 25% of Easter Saturday sales or $500 or more in cash.

“We were touched by the generous and enthusiastic response from our many locally-owned businesses,” Moretz said. “In our tourism-driven economy, local businesses recognize the value of the Middle Fork Greenway will bring to both residents and visitors.”

Middle Fork Greenway Executive Director Ann Browning called the response “overwhelming.”

Proceeds from this benefit will provide matching funds for outstanding grant requests, land purchases and construction of the next segment of the greenway.

The Middle Fork Greenway is a 6.5-mile pedestrian and cycling trail located in between Boone and Blowing Rock. Of the proposed 6.5 miles, only one mile of trail has been developed so far.

The Middle Fork Greenway will be a part of the New River Headwaters Trail, a network of three trails – Middle Fork Greenway, Boone Greenway and South Fork Greenway – connecting Boone, Blowing Rock and Todd. New River Headwaters Trail is a project of High Country Pathways.

The Middle Fork Greenway is a collaboration between the Middle Fork Greenway Association, Blue Ridge Conservancy and High Country Pathways – along with other community and local government partners.

For more about the Middle Fork Greenway project, click here and view the master plan of the project here. For more information about the Middle Fork Greenway Association, click here.

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