NORTON — The passing of a single check has nearly doubled the funds raised so far toward rebuilding the High Knob observation tower.

And if the donor has anything to say about it, it’s the first of many major gifts.

A standing ovation greeted Cumberland Resources yesterday when the company announced a $50,000 donation to the rebuilding effort — one that the company challenged other companies to match or exceed.

“Cumberland Resources has issued a challenge to all coal, oil and gas companies in our area to step forward and help with the rebuilding effort,” company Governmental Affairs Representative Harry Childress said in announcing the donation. “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.”

Calling it a “red-letter day,” High Knob Enhancement Corporation fundraising chair Rita McReynolds noted that the coal industry has historically supported the community.

“Again, they have shown us their true commitment to this area and I and everyone here applaud Cumberland Resources’ effort to be a major catalyst in the rebuilding of High Knob Tower,” she said.

NEARLY DOUBLE

Yesterday’s announcement means organizers of the rebuilding effort have raised a total of about $105,000.

It will cost an expected $572,000 to rebuild the tower that was destroyed by arson on Oct. 31 last year, organizers say.

McReynolds said the funding provided by Cumberland Resources will be used to move plans into the second phase.

“We’re hoping to be able to use this money to hire an architect to draw up the plans for the new tower,” she said.

DOING THEIR PART

Addressing the crowd, Childress called the tower a “regional treasure and landmark” worthy of rising from the ashes.

“For years, the High Knob tower withstood and survived what Mother Nature threw at it,” he said. “But it was destroyed by man.

“(The owners) of our company are Wise County natives and felt that something must be done to restore this important resource,” Childress added, noting that he is getting the praise deserved by others.

“The company voted to do it,” he said. “I’m just the messenger.”

PLANS UNDERWAY

While much has been written about the proposed look of the new tower, the board hopes the site will be much more than a simple structure with a view.

Although the first priority is getting the tower rebuilt, the group also hopes to develop a comprehensive tourism destination with a focus on education.

Identified projects include:

• Developing a separate facility that may include a visitor’s center, an environmental education center, an artisan’s center, an amphitheater and/or a restaurant.

• Building a comprehensive network of trails beyond those presently planned at the site to connect High Knob to other points of interest.

• Upgrading the High Knob campground.

• Developing other “vista” opportunities, including driving trails.

• Developing a marketing strategy for the site.

“This is what we hope the tower will be, compared to what it was,” McReynolds said shortly after the plans were announced. “I would think all of us hope that from this senseless tragedy, the tower will grow to become a place that represents more than just a building with a view.”