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For Immediate Release
November 09, 2007


Charlotte, NC – The Carolina Thread Trail announced philanthropic contributions totaling $14.5 million at a gathering of more than 600 leaders from across the region in Center City Charlotte today. The contributions were announced as part of Foundation For The Carolinas’ 50th anniversary celebration, and set the stage for a $40 million private capital campaign for the Thread Trail effort. The campaign will include cash and land donations from across the 15-county, two-state regional Thread Trail footprint in North and South Carolina.

Duke Energy Corporation and Foundation For The Carolinas led the effort with initial contributions, which were quickly followed by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Wachovia Foundation. Foundation For The Carolinas’ contribution is the largest gift from discretionary funds to a single project in the organization’s 50-year history.

Contribution breakdown:

Duke Energy $4.5 MM in cash, land and in-kind services
Bank of America Charitable Foundation $4 MM
The Wachovia Foundation $4 MM
Foundation For The Carolinas $ 2 MM
TOTAL $ 14.5MM to The Carolina Thread Trail


“The Carolina Thread Trail is a ‘Grand Design’ that will connect communities, celebrate the beauty of our region and open the door of nature’s wonder for every child,” said Ruth Shaw, Chair of the Carolina Thread Trail regional Governing Board. “Duke Energy, Wachovia and Bank of America clearly recognize the value of this effort, and their gifts establish a firm foundation for our region to make this vision a reality.”

The Carolina Thread Trail is a 15-county, two-state greenway network that will be designed and created locally through grants funded by the contributions announced today. The Trust For Public Land, a key partner, will provide technical assistance to communities throughout the planning and design process. Catawba Lands Conservancy will be the lead agency for the project.