August 14, 2008

Dear Donors and Supporters,

Great News! The Gateway property officially belongs to the Colchester Land Trust! On June 15th we mailed out the last payment for our loan on the property along the Airline Trail on Bull Hill Road. We were able to raise the approximately $200,000 needed for the purchase price, closing costs, and appraisals through a number of grants as well as the generosity of individuals like you. A big thank you also to the Norcross Wildlife Foundation for allowing us time to fundraise with their $125,000 loan at 0% interest.

Here is how we accomplished it:
Colchester Land Trust Land Acquisition Fund - $19,000
Individual and Business Giving, Including: - $54,621
2 Anonymous Challenge Gifts - $10,000 each
Anonymous Family Gift - $5,000
Corporate Matching Gifts - $2,075
Special Events (Fine Art of Living Auction/Salmon River Road Race) - $10,036
State Department of Environmental Protection Grant - $95,000
Foundation and Trust Grants, Including: - $23,500
Bafflin Foundation - $20,000
Anonymous Family Foundation - $2,000
Eastern Federal Bank - $1,000
Meshomosaic Hiking Club - $1,000
Mohegan Tribe - $500
Lions and Leos - $200
Rotary Club - $110

Additionally, the State DEP has also purchased the parcel adjacent to Gateway! The Land Trust served an important liaison role in this acquisition. Together these two properties “fill in the gap” in the State Forest along Bull Hill Road (see map below). The Colchester Land Trust extends a heartfelt thank you for your part in making the Gateway project a success!



Sincerely,
Cindy Praisner
Treasurer