FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2004
Contact Toni Kellar, 740-435-3335

  CAMBRIDGE – The National Whitetail Deer Education Foundation announces its financial statement from the 2004 Deerassic Classic Giveaway fundraiser held at its Deerassic Park Education Center August 6 and 7, 2004.

 The final net profit from the annual fundraiser was $728,543 after costs of the Giveaway items, printing, entertainment, promotional and other event production costs.

 Of that amount, $414,398 has already gone toward 2004 park improvements including site excavation; building of a lake and dam; electrical infrastructure and lighting; roads and parking; a 60x100-foot multi-purpose pavilion; grounds maintenance; capital equipment purchases; educational programming; and general operations and staff.

 The remaining $314,145 of the proceeds provides funding for last quarter 2004 and 2005 operational budgets. Plans include continued infrastructure improvements; building an enclosed year-round activity building, temporary museum, and restroom facility; enlarging the deer park enclosure; and general operations and programs.

 Included in the above Classic proceeds is $32,408 that was raised specifically for “The Outside Is In” Education Fund through specific raffles and sponsorships during the Giveaway. Proceeds from the education fund will supplement in-school and field trip programs, as well as program content and interpretive trail developments.

 The weekend fundraiser was attended by approximately 6,000 people Friday night and 12,500 on Saturday. Tickets were purchased by supporters in 41 states. About 3,400 tickets were purchased from Guernsey and its surrounding eight counties, with a total of about 8,500 tickets sold in Ohio . All 10,000 tickets were sold out prior to the event.

 The NWDEF would like to thank Dunning Motor Sales, Inc., of Cambridge, for hosting local ticket sales, and all its other local and regional sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event a success.

 Tickets for the 2005 Deerassic Classic Giveaway, to be held at the park August 5 and 6, will go on sale soon.

 The independent and non-profit NWDEF, Deerassic Park Education Center , and the Deerassic Classic Giveaway are not affiliated with any other similar raffles, giveaways, or wildlife organizations.

For more information about the Foundation or its educational programs, please see www.deerassic.com  or call 740-435-3335.