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A call for donations went out shortly before Christmas from the Thunderbird Lodge. The lakefront lodge needed $50,000 by Jan. 1 to repair seven aging, ailing roofs on one of the East Shore's most historic estates. There was a twist, though.
An anonymous donor who pledged $50,000 toward the $350,000 project would pull that donation if it wasn't matched by midnight on Jan.1. Without the money, the already under way project would have been cut short, leaving major portions of the lodge's roofs unfinished.
Yet, as midnight on New Year's Day arrived, the donation was matched, and the roof of the Thunderbird Lodge will be finished.
"We had a strong response, and some significant donors came through to help us hit our mark," said Bill Watson, manager and curator of the more than 70-year-old estate.
The lodge came up slightly short of its goal, collecting about $49,500, Watson said.
But, management at the lodge was able to make up the difference from an in-house fund, and the anonymous donor decided the funds collected were close enough to match and left his donation intact.
One local donor accounted for the bulk of the funds with a gift of $35,000. Watson said a variety of other donors contributed to make up the difference to $49,500.
"As a result of this outpouring of support, Thunderbird Lodge will have a new state-of-the-art, fire resistant roof while retaining the historic elements that lend the estate its distinctive character," Watson said. "There is no way we can thank Incline Village and the surrounding communities for the nearly 50 contributions that arrived in amounts large and small. Hopefully once this storm clears we'll be able to get back to work on the roof and have it ready by spring."
Ted Stoever is one of those who decided the Thunderbird was worth a donation. Stoever, a Reno businessman, gave $1,000 toward the roof repairs.
"It's the jewel of the lake and an important part of Nevada's history," Stoever said. "I think the older part of the lodge is just spectacular and worth saving."
The Tahoe City-based Tahoe Roofing Company has been working on the roofs of the various buildings.
Brian Casey, owner of Tahoe Roofing Company, said he was delighted to hear the funding came through for the Thunderbird.
The lodge's roof repairs were so important because the building houses archived documents of the Nevada side of the lake's history, Watson said.
"Nevada's history is shallow but rich - I've learned that Nevadans won't let their heritage to be ripped from their grasp for want of a few dollars," Watson said.
An anonymous donor who pledged $50,000 toward the $350,000 project would pull that donation if it wasn't matched by midnight on Jan.1. Without the money, the already under way project would have been cut short, leaving major portions of the lodge's roofs unfinished.
Yet, as midnight on New Year's Day arrived, the donation was matched, and the roof of the Thunderbird Lodge will be finished.
"We had a strong response, and some significant donors came through to help us hit our mark," said Bill Watson, manager and curator of the more than 70-year-old estate.
The lodge came up slightly short of its goal, collecting about $49,500, Watson said.
But, management at the lodge was able to make up the difference from an in-house fund, and the anonymous donor decided the funds collected were close enough to match and left his donation intact.
One local donor accounted for the bulk of the funds with a gift of $35,000. Watson said a variety of other donors contributed to make up the difference to $49,500.
"As a result of this outpouring of support, Thunderbird Lodge will have a new state-of-the-art, fire resistant roof while retaining the historic elements that lend the estate its distinctive character," Watson said. "There is no way we can thank Incline Village and the surrounding communities for the nearly 50 contributions that arrived in amounts large and small. Hopefully once this storm clears we'll be able to get back to work on the roof and have it ready by spring."
Ted Stoever is one of those who decided the Thunderbird was worth a donation. Stoever, a Reno businessman, gave $1,000 toward the roof repairs.
"It's the jewel of the lake and an important part of Nevada's history," Stoever said. "I think the older part of the lodge is just spectacular and worth saving."
The Tahoe City-based Tahoe Roofing Company has been working on the roofs of the various buildings.
Brian Casey, owner of Tahoe Roofing Company, said he was delighted to hear the funding came through for the Thunderbird.
The lodge's roof repairs were so important because the building houses archived documents of the Nevada side of the lake's history, Watson said.
"Nevada's history is shallow but rich - I've learned that Nevadans won't let their heritage to be ripped from their grasp for want of a few dollars," Watson said.
