Matching gift challenge raises $107,445 for the park
In the spring of 2020, after losing revenue from COVID-19, like many businesses and nonprofits, Tower Grove Park received a generous challenge gift of $50,000 from longtime supporter, The Caroline Loughlin Fund. The park was, and still is, being used in high volume, drawing people from all over the region to its spacious and peaceful landscape. More than ever before, people relied on the park as a place of solace and rejuvenation, sustaining their physical and mental health.
We understood our critical role in providing a safe, public space, so, among other safety precautions, our leadership team closed the roads to vehicular traffic, allowing extra room for social distancing. We postponed or canceled many revenue-generating events to ensure our guests’ safety. We retained all our full-time staff, and our team worked longer hours to maintain the park during its unprecedented use.
After losing over $130,000 in revenue from COVID-19 cancellations, we asked the community to help us keep the park open and safe for everyone by donating to match the challenge gift—and we never expected the enormous support we received! By June, park supporters had exceeded the goal, raising $107,445 total with donations and memberships.
The outflow of support proves the meaningful power of parks and that Tower Grove Park truly is the people’s park. During difficult times, many supporters were still able to give back to causes that mattered to them with impressive generosity.
The COVID-19 pandemic further confirmed Tower Grove Park as an invaluable resource. People began to see the public space as a necessity, not just an amenity. We hope the shift in thinking will help redefine the role of parks in our society. Parks are essential. Parks play an important role in health and well-being, conservation, and social equity, especially in an urban environment.
The best way to support Tower Grove Park is through a membership. It’s a group of committed supporters who appreciate the park, understand its importance, and are invested in its success. Our members not only make an annual gift, they attend events, use the rental spaces, and promote the precious green space to their family and friends.
Our sincerest gratitude to those who donated to our COVID relief matching challenge. We are touched and honored by the support of the community. Thank you, thank you!