THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
The Columbus Foundation shares our excitement for the future. Sharpe shared, “As Greater Columbus continues to grow, our top tier Zoo— which leads the way in conservation, education, and outreach—will be a continued asset for our region well into the future.” As a representation of the causes close to the community’s heart, The Columbus Foundation’s investment in the Zoo and The Wilds is a deeply meaningful confirmation of our impact on people and wildlife. We wholeheartedly thank The Columbus Foundation for its continued partnership.
“The Zoo’s continued commitment to excellence in animal habitat and guest experience was very compelling for these recent investments,” Sharpe said. “The detailed plans, and knowing that the plans will be executed with the highest level of stewardship, bring great excitement for the reimagined North America Trek and what it will mean for future guest experience and animal habitat and care.” “A strong component of the importance of the Zoo is its commitment to educating the public about the interconnected world of animals and humans, as well as broadening people’s understanding of all types of animals in the care of the Zoo,” stated Sharpe. As part of our dedication to being a responsible and accessible community partner, in 2023 the Zoo and The Wilds donated 20,000 tickets to organizations and our education programs welcomed well over 300,000 participants. We continue to increase opportunities with our scholarship program, sensory-friendly events, and more. “As the Zoo and The Wilds continue advancing wildlife conservation and education to become one of the most impactful wildlife conservation institutions globally, we are immensely grateful to The Columbus Foundation and its donors for their continued support, particularly with our priority capital projects, North America Trek and a new giraffe barn,” said President and CEO Tom Schmid.
A pillar of the community, The Columbus Foundation has been a generous and stalwart supporter of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds for many years, and 2023 was no different. With a shared mission to strengthen the community, Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation, affirms that “through outreach and education, the visitor experience, and conservation efforts locally and abroad, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds is a source of inspiration for individuals of all ages.” As the Zoo developed and broke ground on North America Trek, the redevelopment of the North America region, we were thrilled to be awarded a $100,000 competitive capital grant from The Columbus Foundation toward this project. The Wilds also received a $100,000 grant toward a new giraffe barn from the William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis and William C. Davis Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of The Columbus Foundation.
Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management, The Columbus Foundation
PAGE 20
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online