“Improving The Community One Project At A Time”
PO Box 117 - Alderson W Va. 24910
A RACE WELL RUN
Nearly 150 wonderful “Blue Backers” made the Kickstarter campaign to raise $25,000 to help “Save the Blue” a
success with $27,300 pledged when the campaign ended at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.
Of the more than 200,000 projects in the world that have sought funding through Kickstarter, only 5 % have been
successful with raising more than $20,000. “Restore the Blue Sulphur Spring Pavilion” is one of those 5%.
Friends of the Blue Chair, Alex McLaughlin, said, “To all those who have worked hard, donated, and spread the word,
thank you. You are part of a very special and unique project.”
One backer claimed the historical carriage ride provided by Raymond and Lynn Tuckwiller. Lynn Tuckwiller is excitedly
planning that event. “We could use the Doctor’s buggy if it is only one person since that was purchased here. But if
there are two, we might use the landau.” she said.
Some people may wonder why this project was so successful. Karen Lee McClung is the artist who created the
watercolor painting which was a reward for pledging at certain levels. She said, “When you drive out that country road
and go around the turn to cross that broad valley and there it is—who would not want to help save the Blue. Its
architecture is Greek Revival, not Colonial, and it is just such a surprise.”
McLaughlin said, “Historic preservation is economic development. The buzz and excitement that are created about the
preservation of the Blue reflect favorably on the tourism economy of Greenbrier County. We believe that the promotion
of saving the Blue will lead folks to come to the county to see the Pavilion, It will also provide an increased incentive to
folks who have other interests in the county to visit as well. Promotion of the Blue is promotion of Greenbrier County.”
From the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau which hosted the kickoff event to Beth Gill who created
the video, to Nathan Clay who did the computer work, to the Friends of the Blue Committee, to the Greenbrier
Historical Society which provides administrative support, and, of course, all those who donated as “Blue Backers”
huge thanks are given.
Margaret Hambrick, member of the Friends of the Blue Committee and President of the Board of the Greenbrier
Historical Society, which actually owns the Blue, said, “I am not sure I will ever do this again! It is too nerve wracking.
But the rewards are great. When you feel so passionate about something and then find out that so many others do as
well, it is heart-warming. Thanks to all.”
PHOTO CAPTIONS: A drawing of the Blue Sulphur Springs resort in its finest days. (Click on photo for larger view)
