The Methow Valley is the place to be this Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, in true Methow-style, the Conservancy has gathered donors and community members together to say thank you and to celebrate the conclusion of their $20 million campaign to protect the best land in the valley. The event held at “The Barn” in Winthrop includes a donor appreciation dinner of local food, and a community concert featuring Luc and the Lovingtons.

What once seemed like an audacious goal has become a reality, as diverse community members came together to protect a rare and beautiful place, and the rural character and way of life that it affords. We’re so proud of our hard-working client and look forward to celebrating their success this weekend!

Below are some fun campaign facts pulled from the Conservancy’s newsletter:

* There have been more than 1,500 donations made to the campaign.

* Donors from 31 states gave to this campaign.

* More than 500 people gave to the Methow Conservancy for the first time through this campaign.

* Of all the money raised, 55 percent comes from private sources (people, foundations, businesses). These private gifts have helped leverage more than $8 million in public funds.

* Every private dollar they’ve spent has leveraged $100 in public funds for farmland protection projects.

* The campaign has already protected 23 new conservation easements and there are 25 more in progress.

* Campaign funds will continue to fund conservation projects for the next four+ years.

* Fifteen percent of the campaign funds will be put into three long-term funds – Stewardship, Land, & Organizational – to ensure conservation work continues forever.

* More than 40 volunteers worked actively to raise campaign funds.

* To date, the campaign has raised $19,720,408 (98.6% towards goal). These funds are in the form of cash, pledges, public funds, and the value of donated conservation easements.

Discover more at www.imaginethemethow.org

Filed under: Campaigns, Events by Natalie Lamberjack on May 27, 2010