2017 is ending with important goals accomplished in preparation to take the Community Square Revitalization Project on to the next phase in 2018.

Ocracoke Foundation purchased the Square in November 2013 with two loans totaling $1.6M, half each from The Conservation Fund [TCF] and a Private Donor. TCF was recently repaid, thanks to generous donations, large and small, from many of you, and a partnership loan from TowneBank. We will continue raising funds to secure debt free ownership over the next 2 years. This will enable us to direct rental income into a Community Fund to benefit island needs, and to preserve the 5 National Register Historic structures and two docks. This iconic maritime heritage site would not be in community ownership without the vision, generosity and commitment of The Conservation Fund and Private Donor. And the support of people like you!

Onward to 2018! In January Ocracoke Foundation will start construction on stormwater and wastewater improvements, including repaving the parking lot with water-absorbing pervious concrete. These are costly, environmentally significant investments that will improve water quality in Silver Lake, made possible in part by Golden LEAF Foundation. Additionally, over $225,000 in grants has been committed to saving and restoring the Will Willis Store & Fish House [ca. 1930 – photo montage above] and surrounding dock, all imperiled by TS Hermine and the record-setting flood waters of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Repairs, restoration and mitigation should begin later in 2018.

Many of you contributed, reached out to find other donors, offered timely advice, and/or engaged others to get involved – Thank You.

This cannot be done without you. Please consider a year-end gift to the Community Square Revitalization Project 

More information: http://www.ocracokefoundation.org/community-square-revitalization-project.html

List of donors: http://www.ocracokefoundation.org/partners---donors.html

Donations can be made online or by mail.

Thank You and very best wishes for A Happy New Year!

The Ocracoke Foundation   PO Box 1689   Ocracoke, NC 27960-1689

ocracokefoundation@gmail.com www.ocracokefoundation.org