Tauck Donates $90,000 To Grand Teton

National Park Restoration Project

NORWALK, CT (June 2, 2008) Tauck World Discovery has announced a $90,000 grant to help restore the historic White Grass Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. Comprised of more than a dozen historic log cabins situated on some 30 acres within Grand Teton, the ranch complex will serve as a seasonal, volunteer center in support of the Western Center for Historic Preservation (WCHP) following its restoration.

The WCHP is a joint project of the National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. WCHP initiatives include preserving historic rustic architecture, like the White Grass Ranch, in western National Parks. In Grand Teton and Yellowstone alone, some 1,300 rustic buildings require attention and/or major rehabilitation. Many of these projects are on the NPS’ deferred maintenance backlog, lacking funds or manpower for their completion. The Tauck grant, part of its “World Of Giving” philanthropic initiatives, will help fund the restoration of the Hammond Cabin. One of the ranch’s largest and most essential structures, Hammond Cabin will eventually house a WCHP research library, community kitchen, and housing for a seasonal, on-site caretaker.

Homesteaded in 1913, White Grass Ranch later operated as a “dude ranch” for paying guests until 1985. “We’re very excited to play a significant role in the preservation and rehabilitation of White Grass Ranch,” said Tauck President, Robin Tauck. “We’ve been bringing travelers to the American West for 46 years, and we’re proud to help ensure that these and other historic structures will be here for future generations to enjoy.”

According to Grand Teton National Park Superintendent, Mary Scott Gibson, “Tauck’s grant provides a great service to the preservation of our nation’s cultural resources. This funding will help restore one of our priorities for the long-term enhancement of the White Grass Ranch. We greatly appreciate the strong support shown by Tauck for this project.”

“We’re enormously grateful to Robin Tauck and Tauck World Discovery for their gift to preserve and adaptively use the historic Hammond Cabin as part of the WCHP at the White Grass Ranch,” added Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “This project protects an important piece of the story of the Jackson Valley and demonstrates that historic buildings can be saved and used to serve park needs.”

Tauck’s World of Giving was launched in 1998 as the philanthropic arm of Tauck World Discovery, an 83-year-old luxury travel company. Initiatives include employee volunteer events and financial grants supporting cultural and historic sites. World of Giving has also facilitated the volunteer efforts of some 10,000 guests visiting Yellowstone National Park with Tauck. The Yellowstone program was honored at the White House with the nation’s highest honor for historic preservation, the Preserve America Presidential Award. For more information, visit www.tauck.com or www.tauckworldofgiving.com.

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