In an a recent ceremony on Ellis Island, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton recognized the Travelers Conservation Foundation a charitable foundation formed by the United States Tour Operators Association -- for its $240,000 contribution to help restore the interior of the original Ferry Building.
In making the announcement, Mrs. Clinton, Honorary Chair of the White House Millennium Council, stated that the gift from USTOA companies will be combined with other contributions raised by "Save America's Treasures" program. The TCF funds -- donated by individual USTOA Active Member companies -- mark the foundation's first joint contribution, and the second project since the fund's inception in January, 2000.
To date, a total of 12 USTOA Active Member Companies have joined together to fund the Ellis Island project. "Ellis Island is a national icon, and it is only fitting that companies whose business it is to uncover the world for others, help restore a landmark that has become a symbol of courage for people from around the world who sought a better life in the 'new world.' We feel it is part of our legacy to preserve this history for future generations," says Bob Whitley, President, USTOA. He added that the Ferry Building is particularly symbolic because it served as a bridge between the southern and northern part of Ellis Island, just as today's tour operators serve as a bridge for travelers who wish to understand new people and places.
As so many Americans, Ron Letterman, President, Classic Custom Vacations, and one of the TCF contributors, reflected on his connection with Ellis Island: "My mother arrived as an orphan with her seven brothers and sisters in 1922, and I know she would have been pleased that so many are taking an interest in preserving this important landmark."
Restoration of the Ellis Island Ferry Building follows TCF's first gift, a donation to the Mesa Verde National Park Restoration Project, by Tauck World Discovery, to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary. In addition to its monetary contribution, Tauck has continued its relationship with the Park by creating an internship program through which its employees assist in on-site restoration work.
As its mission, TCF identifies cultural, historical and environmental sites in need of conservation, preservation or restoration throughout the world; provides funding through USTOA-member contributions; and seeks philanthropic partnerships and/or matching grants in order to maximize results. In order to qualify for TCF consideration, all projects must be related to tourism. USTOA is targeting a total of $500,000 earmarked for TCF projects this year.
According to Sven-Olof Lindblad, chairman of TCF, the projects cover the globe, and reflect destinations served by USTOA members. "We believe the time has come for the travel industry to be a major force in global preservation of nature, culture and history on which we so depend," says Lindblad, who spearheaded the drive to establish the foundation.
The "Save America's Treasures" program is an ongoing effort to protect the nation's most important - and threatened - landmarks. Launched by the President and Mrs. Clinton in 1998, Save America's Treasures is a public-private partnership of the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
For more information on the Travelers Conservation Foundation, contact Bruce Beckham, (781) 821-5990 or toll-free (888) 821-5990. For information on USTOA, contact the organization at 342 Madison Ave., Suite 1522, New York, NY 10173; (212) 599-6599; fax (212) 599-6744.
TCF Contact:
Bruce Beckham
(781) 821-5990 or (888) 821-5990
(781) 828-4319 fax
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
