News
Press Releases » Annual Giving at Montreat Conference Center Hits Record High
Annual Giving at Montreat Conference Center Hits Record High
Montreat Conference Center has announced a record-breaking fiscal year for annual giving. From May 1, 2007, through April 30, 2008, the Annual Fund has exceeded $800,000, the highest level of giving in the conference center’s history. In addition, unrestricted annual giving (including bequests) grew by 23%, and the average individual donation to the Annual Fund increased as well, both to all time highs.
“For the past seven years, our Annual Fund has experienced phenomenal growth for which we are extremely grateful,” said Frank Spencer, chair of Montreat Conference Center’s Board of Directors. “When you consider this year’s growth on top of last summer’s completion of a successful endowment campaign (including deferred gifts, it exceeded its goal of $20 million, reaching $23 million), what a tremendous witness this is to the mission and ministry of Montreat Conference Center. It’s exciting to see that the people who love Montreat are willing to not only give their support, but to actually increase that support. It is important that this record year goes on to inspire others to invest as generously in the conference center as we work to address some of the greater opportunities we face in the future”
Montreat Conference Center receives no direct funding from the Presbyterian Church (USA). Each year, contributors, both individuals and churches, give support to a year-round conference season that annually serves over 12,000 people and groups from over 1,500 churches. It also helps underwrite the conference center’s acclaimed summer worship series, the “Clubs” summer day camp program, the stewardship of 2,500 acres of protected wilderness, and much more. Montreat’s conference attendance numbers continue to grow and are also approaching record highs. “This is a story of remarkable confidence in the work God’s spirit is doing in the hearts of people who come here,” said Merri Bass, Vice President of Program Development and Marketing for the conference center. “It is about the passion that everyday hardworking people have for the conference center’s ministry and their desire to make the experience possible for others.”
“After an historic fiscal year in ’08, we are one step closer to our goal of $1 million in unrestricted annual gifts,” said Chip Legerton, co-chair of the President’s Council that oversees the Fund. “Strengthening churches, building relationships, and growing disciples – that’s what Montreat Conference Center’s mission and ministry is all about. Giving to the Annual Fund is an investment in this ministry.”