For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Karen Adams
210-844-8973
klsadams@earthlink.net

Wachovia Foundation pledges $250,000 to San Antonio River Foundation for water harvesting installation at IH-10 underpass
Corporate community backs on-going river projects with big donations

(September 3, 2008) SAN ANTONIO – Representatives from Wachovia will present Sonny Collins, III, chairman of the board of directors of the San Antonio River Foundation (SARF), a check for $250,000 for environmental enhancements at the IH-10 underpass on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, at 10 a.m. at the San Antonio River Authority offices located at 100 E. Guenther Street.

Study this proposed plan closely and you will see that the area under the IH-10 Bridge at Steves Avenue will be transformed with lovely, natural walkways and reflective sitting areas, a beautiful, native garden irrigated by a water harvesting system, delightful wall art and more — thanks to a generous donation from Wachovia Foundation to support this neglected part of the San Antonio River. View larger image.

Areas under bridges are often dark, sparse and lack personality, but The Wachovia Foundation is bringing light, water and greenery to this overlooked area by pledging $250,000 to the San Antonio River Foundation’s initiative to bring environmental education outreach programs to the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River.

The contribution will specifically help fund an area under the Interstate 10 Bridge at Steves Avenue where environmental art enhancements, light shelves and a rainwater harvesting system will transform the space. Light shelves capture natural light and reflect it underneath the bridge so native vegetation and landscaping can thrive. The rainwater harvesting system will capture water run-off from the large bridge overhead and provide irrigation to the planned landscaping.

Mark Metcalfe, San Antonio Market President of Wachovia (right) shakes hands with Kim Abernethy, Executive Director of the San Antonio River Foundation, while Board Chairman Sonny Collins looks on as representatives from Wachovia presented a $250,000 check on September 9, 2008 to build a water harvesting and native garden exhibit underneath the IH-10 Bridge at Steves Avenue as part of the San Antonio River Improvements Project.

“This innovative project at the IH-10 underpass aligns well with our philanthropic commitments, which include community development, education and the environment,” said Mark Metcalfe, San Antonio Market President for Wachovia. “We are excited to be a part of this historic project and applaud the San Antonio River Foundation for its long-term vision to enhance the proud heritage of the San Antonio River,” he continued.

The San Antonio River Foundation, under the direction of new Executive Director Kim Abernethy, recently accepted several generous grants and corporate donations from national and international companies to support the formation of one of the nation’s largest linear parks along the banks of the San Antonio River.

AT&T led the way in early 2007 by making the first corporate donation of $5 million to the San Antonio River Foundation’s capital campaign. The Ewing Halsell Foundation, H-E-B Grocery Company, The USAA Foundation and Valero Energy Corporation each pledged $1 million towards the project; and Frost Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Hayes, the McCombs Family Foundation, Nokia Inc. and Toyota Manufacturing Texas have all pledged $250,000 or more.

Board President Edward “Sonny” Collins answers questions about the San Antonio River Improvements Project enhancements to be funded by donations by Wachovia, USAA, AT&T, Nokia, H-E-B and others.

“Because of the massive scope and historic nature of the river improvements project, corporations and individuals understand the legacy implications of this momentous undertaking and want to be involved at the ground level,” said Edward “Sonny” Collins, III, chairman of the San Antonio River Foundation.

As important to the foundation as corporate giving is leadership. With Abernethy, a seasoned fundraiser and enthusiastic executive director at the helm, and a board of directors consisting of 25 dedicated members that have collectively given over $1 million to support the project, the San Antonio River Foundation is a driving force that will bring public art, green spaces, education and cultural amenities to the city.

“You could not ask for a more dedicated and invested group of individuals to lead this organization towards its ultimate goal of raising $50 million for improvements, enhancements and educational niches,” said Collins.

The project is garnering wide spread appeal in the corporate world. For example, AT&T’s support of the river improvements project was integral in drawing the attention of Nokia, one of its largest suppliers, to the project. Finland-based Nokia, a global leader in mobile communications and the world’s number one device manufacturer, donated $250,000 to the San Antonio River Foundation to support enhancements to the Mission Reach. The corporation has taken a special interest in the San Antonio River Park because Nokia celebrates art, culture and education and supports nature conservation, all of which are embodied by the project. Nokia is the first international company to donate to the San Antonio River Foundation.

“The investments corporations, foundations and individuals are making in this project will benefit thousands of residents and visitors everyday and help revitalize the San Antonio River corridor, which is the heart and spirit of our city,” said Tom Stephenson, publisher of the San Antonio Express-News and co-chairperson of the San Antonio River Foundation Capital Campaign Committee. Stephenson and Barbara Dreeben have been instrumental in garnering support from businesses and the community at large.

Fox News Coverage

Fox News 29 in San Antonio featured the Wachovia Foundation presenting the River Foundation a check for $250,000. Board President Sonny Collins provides a nice overview of the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP), goals, and progress.

About the San Antonio River Foundation: While the city, county, San Antonio River Authority and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers re-build the basic infrastructure of the San Antonio River, the Foundation is the catalyst creating, facilitating and funding new amenities such as vibrant public art, pocket parks, historical and cultural elements, gardens and environmental outreach programs through generous grants from corporations, foundations and individuals. Learn more at www.sariverfoundation.org or http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/river_improvement/.

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