News:
Press Release
November 1, 2006
Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Offers Unique Opportunity for All to Support Pennsylvania's Birds and Mammals
STATE COLLEGE (Nov. 1, 2006) – The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation (WEEF) Board of Directors announced it is open for business and offering Pennsylvanians a new – and tax deductible – way to benefit wildlife.
The WEEF recently opened a new office in State College, hired its first Executive Director, and launched a new website. The Foundation, a certified 501(c)3 charitable organization, was created to offer financial assistance to the Pennsylvania Game Commission to promote research, education and land acquisition to benefit all of Pennsylvania's wildlife.
The donated office space is in Suite 103 of the Happy Valley Office Building on 341 Science Park Road, and is staffed by the Foundation's interim executive director, Vernon Ross, of Camp Hill.
"I am very excited about the Foundation and want everyone to know we are open for business," said Ross, who had served as Game Commission executive director from May of 1999 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2005. "This Foundation is the only one that is dedicated primarily to the conservation of the 465 species of birds and mammals of Pennsylvania."
Foundation Board President Russell Schleiden, of Centre Hall, said of Ross, "Vern has great experience in administering wildlife programs, and a vast network of dedicated conservationists whom he can call upon for support of the Foundation."
The Board of Directors just formally completed Phase I of its plan, which included securing the tax exempt status. The permanent office, along with projects in Northumberland County and at Middle Creek, marks the beginning of Phase II for the Foundation.
The Foundation also has a launched its new website www.wildlifeforeveryone.org. It contains information about the Foundation and its Directors, and various ways to donate or become an annual member.
"In the past, most conservation efforts have been funded by hunting license sales," said Schleiden, a co-founder of the WEEF and member of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners. "Now, the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation gives all citizens the opportunity to contribute in support of Pennsylvania's wildlife and their habitats."
In 2004, the Foundation was incorporated as a federal 501(c) 3 charitable organization, primarily to provide financial assistance to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and for the benefit of Pennsylvania's wildlife resources.
The Foundation provides private support for wildlife habitat enhancement, wildlife research and education, land preservation, and for the establishment of a Wildlife Research and Education Center.
Other members of the Foundation's Board are: John Blaschak, Vice President, of Montoursville; John Riley, Treasurer, of Scotrun; Janet D. Nyce, Secretary, of Green Lane; Robert Long Jr., Camp Hill; Doug Barnes, Spring Grove; Roxane Palone, Waynesburg; Patrick Domico, Curwensville; and John M. Frailey, Stroudsburg. Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director, and Michael W. Schmit, Game Commission deputy executive director serve as ex-officio members of the Board.
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