By Lisa Drake, Donor Engagement Manager
Each year, WNPF works closely with park superintendents to identify 30-40 priority projects across Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks that require private support to become a reality.
Occasionally we come close to fully funding a project through donations, but ultimately fall short. That’s where a special group of gifts provides flexible funding so we can direct dollars to where they’re needed most, helping take partially funded projects “over the top” and into action.
Those gifts come from donors in our Over the Top Society.
Joining the Over the Top Society (OTT) isn’t only about financial support — it’s also an opportunity to build a deeper connection with the parks you love.
Our OTT members receive insider updates on work happening across all three parks, invitations to special gatherings with park leadership, and opportunities to connect with a community of fellow park lovers who share a deep passion for Washington’s national parks.
One such gathering is the annual Over the Top Society luncheon. At this year’s event, more than 60 OTT donors gathered to hear firsthand updates from each park’s superintendent.
Sula Jacobs from Olympic National Park kicked things off by sharing the latest developments in planning for a new facility at Hurricane Ridge. Greg Dudgeon from Mount Rainier followed with updates on ongoing projects, including upcoming work on the Skyline Trail. Denise Shultz from North Cascades then shared an update on recent storm damage in Stehekin, along with insights into the park’s ongoing housing needs.
After the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions during an open Q&A session with the superintendents. Together, these conversations offered donors a meaningful, behind-the-scenes look at how their support is advancing work across all three parks.
Because OTT dollars go where the need is greatest, this year members helped make more than a dozen projects in the parks possible through their unrestricted gifts.
Their support has advanced science and research, wildlife conservation, youth programming, and visitor access improvements across all three national parks, including projects such as trail maintenance at Mount Rainier, the Bear Essentials program at North Cascades, and Adventures in Your Big Backyard at Olympic.
The Over the Top Society is a dedicated community of park champions who go the extra mile for Washington’s national parks. By joining, your gift of $1,200 annually in unrestricted support helps ensure that critical, high-priority projects get the final push they need to move forward.
You can learn more at wnpf.org/OTT.
Questions? Feel free to get in touch with me at lisa@wnpf.org.
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Your gifts directly support vital projects in trail maintenance, science and research, youth and family programs, and more.