WAYNESBORO—The Paul K. and Anna E. Shockey Family Foundation has donated $110,000 in support of The Institute’s capital campaign to create a new nature center near Waynesboro.
The Institute purchased a 40-acre rural property in Washington Township with plans to transform the property into a nature education center and living classroom for both students and the greater Waynesboro community.
The late Paul K. and Anna E. Shockey created their family foundation, and over the years have supported many worthy community causes. Paul Shockey was a co-founder of JLG Industries and Anna Shockey was a nurse.
Their son, Ken Shockey and his wife, Bonnie, continue the tradition of generous community support.
“It has been a privilege to watch the progress at The Institute’s new nature and educational center, which provides for the study of climate, water resources, plants, and animals,” Ken Shockey said. “It is a hands-on educational site for students, teachers and our community. We were happy to be asked to help The Institute.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Shockey Family Foundation for their early leadership gift, which was crucial in building the foundation of the campaign,” said Tracy Holliday, Institute executive director.
A nonprofit organization, The Institute provides programming in environmental education and cultural history for area school children, plus a variety of workshops, lectures and programs for all ages. In addition, the organization hosts several free community events annually including a Jazz Festival, Youth Festival, Earth Celebration Day and Winter Solstice Celebration.
The Institute has raised $2.5 million toward their $3 million goal. Work on the property will be done in phases, with an initial focus on establishing an administrative headquarters and welcome center for the public. At the same time, a new bridge will be built for buses and other large vehicles, along with grounds and infrastructure improvements.
Small-scale activities are already underway on the outdoor campus at the property, which will be fully open to the public upon completion of the bridge.
