Palmetto Trust Announces Five for the Future Program
November 1, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – The Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, the only statewide organization dedicated to preserving and protecting historic structures in South Carolina, has launched a new membership program called Five for the Future. The program is designed to give South Carolinians and those interested in preserving our state’s historic structures an easy way to become involved in and protecting historic buildings throughout the state.
“We’re committed to rescuing historically significant buildings in every corner of South Carolina,” said Mike Bedenbaugh, executive director of the Palmetto Trust. “We developed the Five for the Future membership program to let people know how they can help to save and restore these structures that are so central to the character of South Carolina.”
The Palmetto Trust carries out its mission through two core programs: A real estate program that identifies, secures, and sells historical properties to preservation-minded buyers; and a series of signature community projects for which the organization raises money and resources for direct restoration efforts. Community projects currently in process include the Daufuskie Endangered Places Program and the relocation and restoration of the Wilkins House.
“We’ve already saved dozens of historic properties through our real estate and advocacy program, and we are in the process of securing more for future property owners to restore,” said Bedenbaugh. “But we know there are hundreds of endangered historic buildings in the state that would be good candidates for the program. The number of buildings we can save is directly tied to the amount of capital we have on hand to buy these buildings and sustain them until we find a buyer who is committed to preserving them. The money we raise through Five for the Future will help us build the pool of capital we need to rescue these important buildings.”
People interested in helping to preserve historic buildings can become a member of Five for the Future in a number of ways. They may pledge their support through the donation of a recurring gift based on $5 per day/$5 per week/$5 per month levels, or they may donate a lump sum gift of $60 or more.
“There are amazing historic buildings in every corner of our state, and each one has a story to tell,” said Kelly Lang-Ramirez, Director of Resource Development for Palmetto Trust. “That’s why our Five for the Future member support is so crucial: it helps us make sure that we protect those stories for ourselves and our children. It’s simply too much a part of who we are as South Carolinians to put that legacy at risk.”
For more information on Five for the Future membership and the work of the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, visit www.palmettotrust.org. Palmetto Trust is on Facebook at facebook.com/PalmettoTrust.
