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Big gift means new momentum for Knob effort
By: Editorial, Coalfield
Progress
October 7, 2008 |
When you’re on
a mission, momentum is critical.
That’s what Cumberland Resources Corp. gave the High
Knob tower rebuilding effort one week ago — momentum.
Up to last week, the High Knob Enhancement Corp. had raised
about $55,000 from fundraisers, corporate and government
donations and smaller gifts. Last Monday, Cumberland Resources,
led by Wise County natives Richard and Marvin Gilliam, nearly
doubled the pot with a $50,000 donation.
That brought total fundraising to the point that the High
Knob group can take the next major step, fundraising chair
Rita McReynolds said — hiring architects to come up
with a formal design for the new tower.
Cumberland’s owners did more than give their own money.
They issued a challenge to all other coal, oil and gas companies
in the area to do their part as well.
“Those companies whose families work and play here
in Southwest Virginia need to support the effort to replace
this local landmark that is so dear to all of us,” said
Cumberland representative Harry Childress.
We know that the downturning economy makes this a difficult
time for corporations to honor all the worthy donation requests
that come their way.
But Cumberland’s owners have given the Knob fundraising
effort a big shot of momentum that we hope other companies
will accelerate.
A project such as this can reach a tipping point — where
enough money has been given that failure to raise the rest
becomes inconceivable.
As momentum builds to that tipping point, it builds the leverage
for powerful Knob advocates such as Ninth District U.S. Rep.
Rick Boucher to seek even bigger money commitments.
Just as important, it convinces more lovers of High Knob
at the grassroots level to commit a few dollars here, a few
dollars there. The Knob development group benefits not just
from the dollar amount of each gift, but from the sheer number
of individuals who give.
Each additional donation lengthens the list of people and
groups who fundraisers can point to and say, “Join
this dedicated, ever-growing group. Help us reach our goal.”
The original Knob tower, and its replacement that burned
to the ground nearly a year ago, were built by the commitment
of local folks.
Preliminary estimates put the cost of building a new tower
at $572,000. Every penny counts — and so does every
person who gives. |
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