Jim Matheny
Updated 10/9: Multiple entities extend funding to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 10 days
The crest of the Great Smoky Mountains is seen from the Foothills Parkway looking east. Thomas Fraser/Hellbender PressLocal and state partners will continue funding $61,703.18 daily for 10 days during shutdown
Jim Matheny is Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park communications director.
Friends of the Smokies is among several partners that have provided support to fully open the park during the shutdown, including the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Sevier County, Blount County, Cocke County, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
Friends of the Smokies is a nonprofit partner of the national park funded by generous donations and specialty license plates. It funds projects, programs, equipment, and staffing the national park cannot afford with its normal annual budget.
- government shutdown
- great smoky mountains national park
- friends of the smokies
- smokies funding
- smokies funding partnership
- is gsmnp closed?
- are the smokies closed?
- sevier county
- blount county
- state of tennessee
- is cades cove open
- government shutdown national parks
- gatlinburg
- smokies restrooms
- eastern band of cherokee indians
- jim matheny
Helene: Colquitt Foundation gives $750,000 for ongoing recovery in Smokies
Damage to Cataloochee Road with the Caldwell Barn in the background in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Repairs following Tropical Storm Helene continue and will be supported by a grant from the Colquitt Foundation. Friends of the Smokies
$750K donation to Friends of the Smokies part of a larger $2 million commitment to assist Hurricane Helene recovery
Jim Matheny is Friends of the Smokies communications director.
KODAK — Reflecting a longtime devotion to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Colquitt Foundation has given $750,000 to the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies to save historic structures and help the national park’s Cataloochee Valley recover from damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
“Hurricane Helene left its mark on Cataloochee Valley. Cataloochee Ranch was founded in that valley, and we feel a responsibility to help. We are honored to partner with Friends of the Smokies to contribute towards its revival and restoration,” David Colquitt said.
The Colquitt Foundation made the gift on behalf of The Swag as well as Cataloochee Ranch, two historic mountain retreats operated by the Colquitts on the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Haywood County, North Carolina.
“Cataloochee Valley is a jewel for our entire region. Its cultural, historical, environmental and recreational value is something that cannot be replaced. On behalf of our 150+ Haywood County team members, we are honored to make this contribution,” Annie Colquitt said.
The $750,000 gift to Friends of the Smokies will fund restoration of historic structures damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, including cabins and barns from Cataloochee to Cosby. Through the Forever Places program, these critically needed funds will provide materials, supplies and support for a skilled staff of historic preservation experts to make the needed repairs.
- hurricane helene
- hurricane helene cataloochee
- hurricane helene smokies
- hurricane economic loss
- hurricane helene western north carolina
- colquitt foundation
- the swag
- david colquitt
- caldwell barn cataloochee
- helene repairs in smokies
- dana soehn
- friends of great smoky mountains national park
- friends of the smokies
- beech grove school
- cataloochee ranch