ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 23, 1997 TAG: 9704230038
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: JENNIFER HUANG THE ROANOKE TIMES
The zoo's "DonorArt Tiles" will show animal images and corporate or individual inscriptions in return for donations.
The likeness of Mill Mountain Zoo's most famous resident, Ruby the tiger, now greets visitors to the zoo.
Tuesday, the zoo unveiled a new column featuring terra cotta tiles that bear a carved tiger impression. Displayed outside the front gate, the column and tiles are part of the zoo's latest fund-raising program and an effort to recognize seasonal sponsors.
"We want to rally the community around the zoo as we move toward new improvements," said Beth Poff, the zoo's director.
As part of the "Help the Zoo Reach New Heights" campaign, "DonorArt Tiles" showing animal images and corporate or individual inscriptions are being offered in return for donations during the next two years. The display recognizes Equitable Life Assurance Society's Roanoke agency as the zoo's first "Season Sponsor" with a pledge of $25,000.
"It was easy for us to pick the zoo to help," said Equitable's agency manager L. Andre Howes.
Inside the zoo, behind the Vietnamese potbellied pig exhibit, there is another column for tiles recognizing donors of $100 to $1,000. The fund-raising program is intended to last two years, but the tiles will be displayed permanently.
The zoo hopes the campaign will raise $300,000 to fund internal operations and educational programs, Poff said.
"We're hoping with [Equitable's] quick commitment, that will get others on board," Poff said.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB