"Why We Give"
Dear Appalachian Trail Conservancy: I have just completed a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail from March 14 – August 26, 2009. It was an amazing experience! In celebration I am donating $1,000 to the ATC and another $1,000 to The Nature Conservancy – two worthy organizations helping to keep wild places intact and places for people to come and visit (temporarily). Please accept this donation and continue to do all the good work the ATC does throughout the year. Marit Anderson Gay
“While I'm now a Rocky Mountain man, I have very deep roots in the southeast and the A.T. has always been very near and dear to me. My wife and I were very happy to be able to do a little something more this time around. Thank you for the wonderful work that you, the ATC, and the local chapters/local trail clubs do to protect and maintain this American jewel.” Russell and Morgan, Denver, Colorado The Appalachian Trail provided me with a great opportunity to escape from the monotony of normal life. It allowed me to experience an adventure of a lifetime amongst the wilds of nature with bears, a tree falling on me, vigorous mountain climbs and tremendous rugged beauty. I was encouraged to meet all the Trail’s challenges and a great sense of accomplishment resulted. In order to help allow others an opportunity to experience the great outdoors I am donating to the ATC.
When I was in 11th grade, I belonged to a 4-H backpacking club. We had taken a week-long section hike on the A.T. in PA and I distinctly remember a beautiful vista from a rocky area with a view of farms and hills. Twelve years later, I went on a second date with a guy who suggested a day hike just ten miles away from his house. It turned out to be the same vista I remembered from 11th grade: The Pinnacle. April 24, 2004 we got married at the Pinnacle. We plan on thru-hiking the A.T. in the future; it is part of who we are. Gwen Berger, Kutztown, Pennsylvania My first experience with Appalachian Trail hiking was day trips when I spent 3 weeks each year for 2 years at a Girl Scout camp in central Pennsylvania which the Trail passed through. As a teenager, I became interested in the out-of-doors. Later I was able to lead girls on several backpacking hikes plus other varied trips and share my love of the out-of-doors and the necessity of preserving and enriching our environment. I wish I could continue to hike; I will continue my support so that others can enjoy what I have enjoyed too. Frances Randall, Frederick, Maryland My husband loved hiking. We would hike small portions of the A.T. in Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Maine whenever we had a chance. Our son-in-law hiked through in four months and told us many tales. Our daughter mailed him supplies along the way. I think the A.T. is a wonderful inspiration to hikers and nature lovers alike. Linda, Syracuse, New York
I will never thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, nor complete it by section hikes. I admire those that do. I have section hiked the Long Path in NJ and NY and enjoyed the 130 mile six-day experience. Helping to conserve open space is important to me. I donate what I can to help acquire land and protect the Trail. The Trail is fuel to my imagination as I dream about the beauty to be found along it. These gifts will help us make sure that many more generations have the opportunity to fall in love with the A.T. just as we all have. Join with them in making a donation to ATC today!
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Russell & Morgan increased their giving to ATC this year by 1000%. 
