2011-2012 Member Challenge

Thanks to the commitment of an anonymous member donor the BTA has been presented with the opportunity to raise $20,000 towards our greatest needs! This is a challenge that we all can rise to meet to ensure that the BTA continues to grow into the future. The member has generously committed $10,000 to the BTA if our membership is able to match it with another $10,000.

Please consider making a contribution to the BTA Member Challenge so that we may:

• Develop new programs and improve existing ones
• Afford our modest administrative costs.
• Improve coordination of our devoted volunteers.
• Develop stronger working relationships with partner agencies, communities, and organizations.
• Secure additional funding for trail projects.
• Continue to achieve the mission of the BTA to build, maintain, protect and promote the use of Ohio's longest scenic hiking trail!

With this matching challenge you can double your impact for the BTA. Another way to further increase your impact is to ask your employer if they will match employee contributions to non profit organizations. Some employers will match your contribution dollar for dollar.

The Buckeye Trail Crew and efforts of your Trustees have already raised $3,000 to date, totaling $6,000 with the dollar for dollar match from our generous donor.

As part of that effort, two BTA Board members are offering special merchandise to support the challenge.

Sun shade shown on outside of windshield for photographic purposes	BTA Vice President Debbie Zampini is offering for sale a BTA sun shade for your auto. They fit great in the windshield, fold down to a quarter of their size with an elastic band to keep it compact.
What a great way to protect the inside of your vehicle from heat, sun damage and promote the Buckeye Trail at the same time! Also when working on the trail, just put your "I am working on the trail" sign in front of that and you are covered. They are nylon and if you have any problems with them, they come guaranteed from the company. The sun shades make great Christmas and Birthday gifts, or just to say "I love you" The cost is $20.00 plus $2.75 shipping for each shade ordered. Make check payable to Debbie Zampini and send to 72 Wayne Lane, Chardon, OH 44024. Each one ordered is $2.75 in shipping and will come in separate envelopes. All procedes go to the BTA Member Challenge. Contact Debbie at half-marathoner@hotmail.com for additional information.
Life is Better on the Buckeye Trail T-Shirt	BTA Board member Andy Niekamp is offering for sale a "Life is Better on the Buckeye Trail" T-Shirt. You decide the price. Just make a donation. All T-shirt money collected, not just proceeds, will be donated to the Buckeye Trail Association $10,000 Matching Grant Fund.
The shirt is 100% heavyweight cotton. The color is forest green and the ink is white. The suggested minimum donation is $10 plus $3 shipping. Quantities are limited. Right now I have all sizes (XXL, XL, L, M, S). The t-shirts are donated by Andy. The shirt design is by Darlene Karloy. The shirts also will be available at the five upcoming Buckeye Trail presentations that Andy is giving over the next few months. For ordering information visit www.andyniekamp.com/buckeyetrail/

The Buckeye Trail Crew recently spent 4 days building a trail and bridge that resulted in a $2000 donation to the challenge. See some of the picutres from that effort below:

Courtesy Deb Schaefer	Courtesy Deb Schaefer
Courtesy Deb Schaefer	Courtesy Mary Hayes
Courtesy Mary Hayes	Courtesy Mary Hayes
Courtesy Richard Binkley	Courtesy Richard Binkley

To contribute to the Member Challenge, you can send your check to the address below, or click on one of the Donate buttons to make a donation by credit card online. Be sure to indicate Member Challenge on your check.