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The FRIENDS of Cedar Bog Nature Preserve has started a fundraising drive with support from Honda of America Mfg., Inc. toward the goal to establish a $500,000 endowment fund to support the preserve 's Education Center operations and other initiatives.

In this latest partnership with the Cedar Bog, Honda is committing up to $25,000 in matching funds through its philanthropy program. The grant will be allocated to the endowment fund as the FRIENDS of Cedar Bog raises money from individuals and businesses in the community.  Honda had previously provided a grant to assist with establishing the Education Center at the bog.

During the kickoff event for the matching contribution effort, Ohio State Rep. John Adams paid tribute to the efforts of Honda and the FRIENDS of Cedar Bog to enhance the educational experiences at this unique natural area.  "The bog is a wonderful place that is now being supported with this grant from Honda," Adams said. "The people at Honda are part of the community, because they make themselves a part of the community, and this is very much appreciated."

Currently containing approximately $334,000 from previous donations, the endowment fund 's interest earnings already are supporting Education Center operations, including the recent installation of a camera security system from Champaign County Telephone Sales and Service.

"This matching grant from Honda is providing us the opportunity to work with other supporters throughout the region to raise a total of $50,000 for the endowment fund," said William Heitman, FRIENDS of Cedar Bog treasurer.  "We are looking forward to strengthening our partnerships in the community, while also increasing awareness of this unique natural area." 

As a non-profit organization, donations to the FRIENDS of Cedar Bog Nature Preserve are tax deductible.  Donations to the campaign can be sent to the following address:

Friends of Cedar Bog Nature Preserve
c/o 430 Scioto Street
Urbana, Ohio  43078

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is located on approximately 400 acres four miles south of Urbana, at 980 Woodburn Rd., about a mile off U.S. 68.  To learn more about this unique natural area, visit its web site at http://www.cedarbognp.org/

FRIENDS of Cedar Bog
The FRIENDS of Cedar Bog Nature Preserve was formed in 2006 to make the proposed Education Center at Cedar Bog a reality, because funding for the new building was contingent on establishing ongoing financial support for its operations.  The Ohio Historical Society and the Cedar Bog Association have a management agreement for the everyday operation of the Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, and the Education Center plays an essential role accommodating visitors, and supporting community activities and research.

Honda Philanthropy in Ohio
During more than 30 years in Ohio, Honda has been dedicated to improving the communities where Honda associates live and work. "We believe that, collectively, our associates ' commitment and compassion can generate the power to improve our future, and we help support the organizations for which they volunteer and contribute", said Caroline Ramsey, executive director of the Honda of America Foundation.

Since 1979, Honda 's charitable giving programs have supported numerous local needs and programs.  These include major grants to hospitals, community centers, theaters, food banks, after-school programs, nature preserves and parks. As a result of this shared commitment, Honda and its 13,500 associates in Ohio have contributed more than $75 million to local community organizations throughout the region.

For more information, contact:
Ron Lietzke                 Honda of America Mfg.                       office (937) 644-6627;            cell (937) 441-0968
Eric Doerzbacher         Cedar Bog Nature Preserve       office (937) 484-3744;            cell (937) 408-1832

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