Gifts exceed $1 million in 2009

The Cultural Trail is a unique project for many reasons.  One of the biggest and most important reasons why it is different from other urban trails around the world is the fact that private individuals, foundations and businesses are paying for most of it through charitable contributions.  To date, we have raised $43 million of our $55 million goal mostly from these generous gifts.  Thank you for sharing our vision for Indianapolis.  

We are proud to announce that we have received more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS in new funding in 2009 despite a tough economy.  The following made new gifts or pledges of $1,000 or more this year:

Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation $250,000
Christel DeHaan Family Foundation $250,000
Anonymous $100,000
Citizens Energy Group $100,000
Indiana Pacers $100,000
W.C. Griffith Foundation $85,000
Rollie and Cheri Dick $50,000
Larry and Lee Glasscock $30,000
Anonymous $25,000
Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc. $25,000
United Water Green Infrastructure Grant $20,000
Charles and Peggy Sutphin $10,000
Hulman and Company Foundation $10,000
The Clowes Fund $5,000
Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival (The Longest Dinner) $2,500
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Blanton $1,000
Mark Zwoyer and Peggy McDonald $1,000

THANK YOU.  This project would not be happening without everyone's generous support.  

We still need your support to complete the eight-mile trail in time for the Super Bowl in early 2012!  Make a gift by December 31 to receive an income tax deduction on your 2009 taxes or learn more about giving options: www.IndyCulturalTrail.org/Support.
 

TODAY! Last brown bag lunch meeting of 2009

Want to know the latest on construction?
Curious about what this project is all about?
(Photo: There's a green roof on the Cultural Trail. Do you know where it is?)

Bring your lunch and join us for the next brown bag lunch meeting TODAY, Tues., December 15 from noon to 1 p.m. in the English Foundation Building, 615 N. Alabama St., Efroymson Board Room on the first floor. Lunches will resume on January 19 and the third Tuesday of every month in 2010 in the same location.

"Moving Forward" poetry contest update

The "Moving Forward" poetry contest received 120 entries. Here's what will happen next:

• By December 31, a screener will select 25-30 finalists to be sent to three judges, who will evaluate them based on quality of writing, thematic connection to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the "Moving Forward" project as well as appropriateness for public display with sensitivity to diverse audiences. The names were removed from all entries.  The screener and the three judges chosen by the Writers' Center of Indiana all live outside of Indiana.
• The judges will submit 8-10 poems to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail's Management & Design team and Donna Sink, the architect of the shelter, who will select the three winning poems.
• By mid-March, WCI will notify the winners and all applicants. Each winner will receive $1,000 and his/her poem will be permanently featured on one of the three "Moving Forward" bus shelters.

For more information on the Cultural Trail public art program or "Moving Forward," visit www.IndyCulturalTrail.org/PublicArt.

Construction updates

Updates for the two corridors currently under construction are available through the end of December:

Click here for the North Corridor

Click here for the Northeast Corridor

(Photo: The Cultural Trail winds beside the Canal, between the Walnut St. bridge and St. Clair St. bridge. Pavers will follow in the spring.)

Please note:  Snow will not be removed from the areas of trail under construction. These areas are still considered construction sites and may not be safe. Please use other sidewalks in these areas. 

Facebook and new video on impact

Become a fan of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail on Facebook. You'll find behind the scenes information, photos, videos and events.  

For several years, we've talked about the impact the Cultural Trail will have on Indianapolis. This new video shares our story in a powerful, meaningful way. Special thanks to Clayton Taylor at WFYI Productions and producer, Viki Anderson. Share with family, friends who may not know about the Cultural Trail.