Endowment was made possible by Patty and Hugh Cress
The Falls of the Ohio Foundation announced that it has established the organization’s first endowment fund. The Falls of the Ohio Foundation Educational Experiences Fund was made possible thanks to the generosity of Patty Cress and support of the Foundation’s work to bring meaningful educational programming to the Kentuckiana region.
The Falls of the Ohio Foundation Educational Experiences Fund is an invested, perpetual endowment that has been designated to support the Foundation’s work to educate the community on the Falls of the Ohio’s natural, cultural, and historical significance. Annually, the fund will ensure that nearly 1000 students will have access to the Falls of the Ohio State Park’s Interpretive Center and educational programs.
Ms. Cress stated, “My fascination with the Falls dates back 50 years ago when my husband Hugh Cress took me to the Falls of the Ohio for the first time. I fell in love with the Falls. Through our volunteering with the Naturalist at Heart Program, we got to help share it with our community and the students who came for school programs.” She continued, “After Hugh passed away, I wanted to do something that would have an impact while helping children learn about this place. I worked with Kenton and the Falls of the Ohio Foundation to establish this endowment which will support their educational initiatives.”
Kenton Wooden, executive director of the Foundation said, “This is an exciting day for the Foundation. Over our 36-year history, and with help from important community partners and supporters like Patty, we’ve helped connect our region to this landscape’s unique beauty and historical significance.” He continued, “We work each day to ensure that our community has access to the Falls of the Ohio’s stories. Thanks to Patty and her generous support and genuine love of the Falls area, this endowment fund will provide the resources needed to provide educational programming to hundreds of people, each year, forever.”
“Gifts like this remind us of the impact that the natural and cultural resources of Indiana State Parks make upon our guests,” said Terry Coleman, director of Indiana State Parks. “We appreciate this generous gift from Patty Cress, and we also appreciate the work that Kenton and The Falls of the Ohio Foundation did to make it a reality,” he said. “Children are the future of our parks and public lands, and this new endowment will provide ongoing opportunities for them to make connections with this unique state park.”
Ms. Cress continued, “The Falls is something that is unique and hands-on. I know that my gift will allow others to experience and learn about the Falls for generations to come. My hope is that others in our community will see our story and love of this place and join us in supporting the Foundation’s mission and these educational experiences.”