Community, photographers, and businesses team up to benefit Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks.
UTICA, IL - January 10, 2023 - A total of $3224 was donated to the Starved Rock Historical and Educational Foundation, a volunteer-run not-for-profit organization founded in 1991 that supports the parks through educational programs, guided hikes, and exhibit updates, from the Matthew Klein Films annual calendar fundraiser.
The donation was made possible through the generous efforts of those who supported the fundraiser, local businesses who sold the calendars, and the photographers who provided images of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks.
Starved Rock Hikers supported the calendar project by providing a website for online sales and promoting the calendar across its growing social media platforms. Nearly half of the total revenue from the calendars was generated through online sales.
Over 200 photo submissions were received. “The final images represent the spirit of the Parks from hikers across the Midwest, and in all seasons,” stated Matthew Klein, Co-Founder of Starved Rock Hikers and the creator of the annual calendar fundraiser.
The photographers who were selected for inclusion are Andrew Kenning, Erika Hoffmann, Yesenia Yanez, Téa Lamboley, Kyle Petersen, E.J. Rodriquez, Sharon Sarti, Joe Hotle, Paula Guttilla, Matthew Klein, Chet Phillips, and Brian Gift.
“It’s so great to be able to have my photo in the Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks calendar this year. I love getting to show people the beauty of the Parks and doing it for a good cause!”, Kyle Petersen stated, Co-Founder of Starved Rock Hikers.
Demand for the calendars was higher than normal this year. Calendars were available to purchase at the Starved Rock Visitor Center Foundation Store, Bruce & Ollies at the Bickerman Building, the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center by Heritage Corridor Destinations, and Kishauwau Cabins.
“It’s always great to see local businesses and organizations supporting the annual fundraiser. Their support, combined with a strong digital approach, resulted in the calendars selling out for the first time ever,” Klein stated.
Wow, what an amazing achievement for the Starved Rock Foundation! Raising $3224 through the annual calendar project is no small feat, and it's fantastic to see the community and local businesses come together to support such a wonderful cause. The fact that nearly half of the revenue came from online sales shows how powerful the digital approach was, and with the calendars selling out for the first time ever, it's clear that the demand was strong. Huge congratulations to all the talented photographers featured—your beautiful shots truly capture the spirit of Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. This is such a great initiative, and it’s heartwarming to see the funds go towards educational programs and exhibits that will continue to…