DETROIT— More than $200,000 was raised during the ninth annual Polish the Jewel Legacy Luncheon attended by more than 400 guests held last week to support the Belle Isle Conservancy.
Belle Isle Conservacy President Michele Hodges reported on both the organizaiton and park’s progress over the past year. Highlights included:
- A $1 million roof restoration to the historic horse stables
- The one-year anniversary of the Belle Isle Aquarium’s re-opening
- More than 4,500 volunteers per year assist with planting trees, removing debris and eradicating invasive species
- New events are taking place on the Island, like the Orion Music Festival and Belle Isle Summer Saturdays
- Funds were raised for bronze restoration on the Levi Barbour Memorial Fountain’s Leaping Gazelle and Children’s Temperance Fountain while fundraising continues to replace Pewabic Tile to the James Scott Fountain
- State Historic Preservation Office grants were secured for improvements to the Aquarium and Nancy Brown Peace Memorial Carillon
- The conservancy now publishes quarterly newsletters detailing Belle Isle Park news and improvements
The mission of the Belle Isle Conservancy is to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the natural environment, historic structures and unique character of Belle Isle as a public park for the enjoyment of all – now and forever. For more information about BIC, visit: belleisleconservancy.org
