The Mountain Capital Campaign News

July 2024

Capital Campaign 2023-2026

Goal Update!

$2,265,271.72

Contributions and Pledges

Toward our Goal of $3.2+ Million 

Every month we make even more progress towards our goal of $3.2+ million thanks to the generosity of so many of you who love this special place and want to help foster its growth for generations to come.

The Tower Renovation

is Complete!

In just a little under 2-months, our Tower renovation is complete from top to bottom. All of the doors and windows were replaced as well as exterior siding, decking and stairs. The design scheme matches our new staff housing helping to create a unified look across the property.

The interior spaces have all been renovated as well with all-new flooring and drywall. The lower level will be used as a meeting space, the second floor will be dedicated office space, and the top floor will continue to house the Motus bird tracking and other technical equipment.

The next time you visit The Mountain, take a peek into the new spaces and climb to the top to check out the brand new deck and the same breathtaking view!

Thanks to your generosity, we can ensure that this treasure will be enjoyed for generations to come.

ANNOUNCING OUR NEXT BIG CAPITAL PROJECT:

THE LODGE RENOVATION!

The Lodge is one of the most iconic buildings on the property. Built in 1990 this beautiful space has served us all so well, from hosting receptions to housing guests, our laundry facility and library. The views of Blue Valley from the oversized windows and decks are unparalleled, the stone fireplace is as grand as it is welcoming, and the library is a cozy space to squirrel away and read a good book or play a game.

This space is a much loved part of The Mountain and it is time to show it some love in return.

Time and weather are taking a toll on the facade, and we are experiencing leaks around the windows and the wooden siding is in dire need of replacement. Beginning in August, we will begin renovating the exterior of The Lodge starting with the Blue Valley side as it has greater exposure to the elements and needs the most work.

The total cost of this important project is estimated at $145,000, and we hope to have the Blue Valley exterior completed in September.

We will be replacing the siding and decking starting with the Blue Valley side of the building.

HOW YOUR PLEDGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TODAY

MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR PROJECTS LIKE THIS



We could not accomplish all of these important upgrades and renovations without your generous and heartfelt pledges and contributions.

• Pledging a gift to The Mountain is an important way to help us plan projects most efficiently, saving time and money.

• Every dollar you pledge or contribute through 2026 goes right into funding these projects.

• Upcoming projects include guest accommodation upgrades, ASCENDER building construction, electrical upgrades and more!

We are most grateful for your support

of this generational investment in The Mountain.

Click above to complete our pledge form. For any further questions about giving or pledging, please reach out to us.

Electrical Upgrades for Our Cabins

We are getting ready to begin major electrical upgrades, along the Ring Road. We will be converting the electrical system from one circuit to two in order to make our duplex cabins and bunkhouses more energy efficient overall.

This upgrade will create more ecologically friendly electrical systems for each individual cabin - such as installing energy efficient electric hot water heaters, to help wean us off of propane and minimize our onsite use of fossil fuels. We are thankful to the Southface Institute for partially funding this project with the Southface Good Use Grant.

The contributions you make today are put to use

immediately on our Capital Campaign projects!

A Message from Mountain Member –

Dave Zenner

When I retired from my Atlanta architectural practice in 2020, I was given a little plaque by my staff with the inscription: “I may be retired, but I’ll always be an architect”. That thought has comforted and inspired me since that day. I had been frankly terrified of the prospect of losing my vitality, my passion, and my inspiration, as I had seen my father experience when he took a relatively early retirement.

As an Atlantan UU, I was already a long-time visitor to The Mountain, and as a UU architect licensed in North Carolina, I had already been approached by K.C. Boyce to join the then nascent Capital Campaign Committee, with the understanding that a significant goal of the Campaign was to raise funds for much-needed capital projects. By that time I was “retired”, i.e. not charging for my professional services and only working for people and organizations I cared deeply about, in keeping with the message on that plaque.

As we worked on planning the Campaign, we began focusing on our capital project priorities (the “Wings” of our Roots and Wings campaign). It quickly became apparent that our staff housing was our top priority, because Mountain stake-holders knew that our staff deserved quality accommodations if we hoped to retain them, and treat them as we would want to be treated. So I was delighted to be asked to design new, flexible, comfortable staff housing, both dormitory style for junior staff, and duplex apartment style for senior staff. Over the last two years we have completed the Craft Barn Dormitory project and two exciting duplex apartment cabins on Staff Road. Watching and helping these buildings be realized, and then working as a volunteer alongside the inaugural occupants of those facilities, has been as rewarding as any project I completed during my “working” years. So I offer my deepest thanks to each Mountain supporter who has donated to our Roots and Wings Campaign to make these dreams come true, and I encourage each of us to continue to contribute so that The Mountain can continue to thrive, and to replace aging facilities with new ones suited to our times and to our great Mission.

Stay Connected with The Mountain

The connections we make during our Capital Campaign, and all of our programming throughout the year, are a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with people like you who care about The Mountain and our mission.

If you have questions or thoughts about this campaign, or just want to share your own Mountain story, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at: capital.campaign@themountainrlc.org

Visit our webpage for more information on our Capital Campaign projects planned throughout the year and follow our progress on Facebook and Instagram.

Questions? Go to "Roots & Wings" at The Mountain for more information about the projects in this campaign, including cabin upgrades, staff housing, technology enhancements, numerous structural repairs, and more.

Contact Paula Kee, Campaign Manager with any questions or contribution needs.