[/av_textblock] [av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” custom_class=”] Pigeon Forge, TN – February 12, 2007 –Patriotic Americans who want a unique alternative to giving roses and chocolate this Valentine’s Day can express their love by making a donation in that special someone’s name to the not-for-profit American Eagle Foundation (AEF) to preserve a national treasure, the Bald Eagle, for generations to come.
The 21-year-old eagle preservation group has created a special American Eagle Fund endowment to help care for and protect the Bald Eagle following its delisting from the Endangered Species Act (ESA), expected to take place by June 29, 2007. See details of federal postponement of delisting. After the delisting, the Tennessee-based AEF estimates that at least $100 million will be needed to ensure future safeguarding of the majestic bird, including nest monitoring, cooperative land agreements with property owners, and securing key habitat.
“It’s great news that Bald Eagles will be removed from the ESA’s threatened species list, but they’re still not out of the woods yet. We’ll need to continue our vigilance and support for years to come,” notes Al Cecere, AEF President. “It will cost millions of dollars to monitor and protect eagle nests on private lands nationally for the remainder of this decade and beyond.”
AEF officials estimate that a $35 Valentine’s Day contribution from just one of every 100 Americans would help realize a $100 million “nest-egg” for the national bird. “It’s a wonderful way to show your heart-felt love for our country, too,” says Cecere. “A gift that will help leave a lasting legacy by keeping America’s living symbol flying strong and free forever.”
Donations may be made directly to the AEF via the organization’s website. The contribution is tax deductible. The AEF also provides an Adopt-an-Eagle program, and federal employees can donate through their annual workplace Combined Federal Campaign.
The AEF is based at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., located at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most visited.
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About the AEF:
Established in 1985, the American Eagle Foundation (AEF) is a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to the recovery and protection of the Bald Eagle and its habitat. The Federal and State-licensed organization conducts both environmental and eagle-focused recovery and education programs. It operates the world’s largest bald eagle exhibit and breeding facility at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Since 1995, the AEF has appeared coast to coast with its trained, free-flying Bald Eagle ‘Challenger,’ including at the White House and various sporting events such as the World Series, Men’s Final Four, BCS National Championship, Olympics and NFL Pro-Bowl.
For more information, contact:
Al Cecere, Founder/President
(865) 429-0157
al@eagles.org
PO Box 333, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868
www.eagles.org
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