The Fifth Third Foundation announced that it has donated $15,000 to the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, Inc. (TART Trails) Pathways to the Future capital campaign. The $1 million campaign was launched in 2002 to extend and improve the trail system by constructing new trails, improving existing trails, and connecting trails.'The history of commitment to first-rate trail development on the part of TART, as well as to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, is a commitment to be applauded,' commented John E. Pelizzari, Presdient & CEO, Fifth Third Bank. 'The fact that this trail system serves everyone who may want to use it is an important reason we wanted to be a part of this. As a longtime partner of this community, we appreciate those groups and projects that have a similar dedication and concern for the welfare of our community.'

Pelizzari presented the gift to TART Trails at its March 12 Board of Directors meeting.

TART Trails Executive Director Bob Otwell praised the Fifth Third Bank Foundation for its support of the local trail system and its positive impact on the community.

'We are very appreciative of the wonderful campaign donation from the Fifth Third Foundation,' said Otwell. 'I’d like to commend John Pelizzari and the Foundation for recognizing what a wonderful asset our trail system is, and how improving it will bring substantial recreational and economic benefits to our region.'

Otwell noted that a recent TART study that surveyed over 1,000 trail users indicated that the top three recommended trail improvements would all be addressed in the Pathways to the Future campaign. Those three improvements include extending the TART Trail east; paving additional portions of the Leelanau Trail; and connecting the Leelanau Trail and TART Trail.

TART Trails has also received significant contributions supporting Pathways to the Future from the Biederman Foundation, Cherry Capital Cycling Club, Huntington Bank, Orchard Creek Assisted Living, the Dan & Pamela Prevo Foundation, and many personal gifts from community members.

For more information on the Pathways to the Future campaign, contact TART Trails at 941-4300.

posted 04/7/2003