Kennebunk Savings officials are pleased to announce a gift of $100,000 to the Friends of Hope Cemetery & Woods (FHCW), a project to preserve 75 acres in downtown Kennebunk, adjacent to the Hope Cemetery.
The project is a $1.4 million capital campaign that brings together private donors, corporations and a Land for Maine’s Future campaign project. Friends of Hope Cemetery & Woods is leading the Hope Woods Conservation Initiative, in partnership with the Kennebunk Land Trust (KLT), to secure permanent conservation of Hope Woods.
According to Bradford C. Paige, President and CEO of Kennebunk Savings, “The land encompassed by the Hope Woods Cemetery conservation effort is an essential part of the history and landscape of downtown Kennebunk. In recognition of the roots we have in Kennebunk, we felt a deep obligation to contribute to the preservation of the land, its natural beauty and its accessibility for generations to come. We are very pleased to support the efforts of the Kennebunk Land Trust and the Friends of the Hope Cemetery & Woods.”
George C. Harrington, President of the Friends of the Hope Cemetery & Woods, shared an overview of the vision, “In addition to the purchase of a conservation easement, the initiative will raise funds to improve and maintain the Hope Woods trail system, including the construction of a universally accessible trail and improved bridge systems to protect vernal pools and prevent erosion.”
Kennebunk Savings has contributed to the campaign through its Huntington Common Charitable Fund. The land preserved by the Friends of the Hope Cemetery & Woods contains mature woods, open meadows, and diverse wildlife habitat, and abuts a historic ice pond and 200-plus-year-old graceful cemetery. It is an outstanding destination for hiking, biking, nature observation, and reflection.
Caption:
From L to R: Pictured with a $100,000 grant check from Kennebunk Savings to the Friends of Hope Cemetery & Woods for their capital campaign are Tom Wellman, Campaign Co-Chair and Kennebunk Land Trust Board President; George C. Harrington, Campaign Co-chair and Friends of Hope Cemetery & Woods Board President; Kate Chappell, Honorary Campaign Co-Chair; Bradford C. Paige, Kennebunk Savings President & CEO; Betsy T. Stevens, Hope Cemetery President; Gordon Collins, Kennebunk Land Trust Executive Director; and Tom Chappell, Honorary Campaign Co-Chair.
