Ridges Campaign Passes $3 Million Mark

The Ridges Sanctuary’s capital campaign has crossed the $3 million mark, putting it at 86% of its $3.5 million goal.

In September, the organization received an anonymous $350,000 matching gift to help complete their campaign for a new visitor facility and site improvements which include a handicapped accessible boardwalk.

“There’s no question that the matching challenge brought a level of excitement to the final leg of the campaign,” said Ridges Director Steve Leonard. “We’ve seen people from all segments of the community step up to help us reach our goal.”

The organization began raising money for the building project immediately after purchasing the site on Hwy 57 and Ridges Road in Baileys Harbor in October of 2011. Since going public with the campaign in June of this year, the fundraising has built momentum.

“We’re definitely on target to complete the campaign by the end of the year,” noted Leonard.

The Ridges plans to break ground for the new building in the spring of 2014. The 76-year old organization is Wisconsin’s first land trust and protects the state’s most biologically diverse ecosystem. The business office is currently housed in the Upper Range Light, a rare type of lighthouse that will undergo a restoration once staff relocates to the new facility.

For more information about The Ridges capital campaign or to donate, call Steve Leonard or Judy Drew at 920-839-2802 or visit http://www.RidgesSanctuary.org/Support-Us/Capital-Campaign.