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RALEIGH, N.C. (July 19, 2005) — One man’s generosity is another’s well-deserved honor. When Kenneth Ellis of Fremont decided to donate $10,000 to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, he thought it only appropriate to do so in the name of another Wayne Countian with a passion for wildlife: Gene Price, a seven-term member of the state Wildlife Commission. “I’ve known Gene Price for many years,” Ellis said, “and I know how committed he is to what he does, both for Wayne County and for the state as a wildlife commissioner.” Ellis, a retired district court judge, described himself as “an avid naturalist” who enjoys watching birds, deer and other wildlife on his farm. “I’m committed to try and save the clean environment we have in this state, with our bountiful native species, for future generations.” Price, editor emeritus of the Goldsboro News-Argus, said he was “really touched” by the unveiling of the oversized check in his name at a Wildlife Commission function last week. “I had no earthly idea, nor did my wife,” he said. “She was told about it as I was leaving to come up here. Somebody called her and told her to be sure to come, too.” As a bonus gift, the Commission bestowed both men with framed copies of a painting depicting a bottomland hardwood forest and its representative wildlife, signed by artist David Williams and former Gov. Jim Martin, who appointed Price to the Wildlife Commission in 1985. Ellis’ $10,000 donation will go toward the Commission’s Nongame and Endangered Species Fund, where it will underwrite educational efforts. Resulting publications and Web site entries will inform the public, especially children, about the need to conserve fragile wildlife species and their habitats. “The intent of this is wonderful,” Price said. “So many people feel that the Wildlife Commission administers only to the interests of hunters and fishermen, overlooking the fact that nongame and endangered species are also within our purview.” The donation was actually more generous than Ellis intended. The Commission can use the money to attract federal grants on a three-to-one match, meaning the original $10,000 can leverage an additional $30,000, for a total of $40,000. “I was elated to learn about this,” Ellis said. “When you can do something and have some input into how your federal tax dollars are spent on a worthy cause, it fell into place appropriately. I would hope others would do likewise. It’s too good a deal to pass over.” North Carolina taxpayers can make a donation to the Nongame and Endangered Species Fund by checking the appropriate box on state income tax forms. For more information, visit the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife page, or call the Division of Wildlife Management at (919) 733-7291. |
