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TextPark Foundation Recognizes Local Philanthropists With Eakin Awards
The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors recently announced the 2012 recipients of the Eakin Philanthropy Awards. Three awards will be presented this November during the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards annual celebration. The Eakin Award recognizes visionary, financial and material contributions to the Fairfax County Park system.
He was known as “Mr. Baseball,” in large measure for his love of the game and his support of youth athletic programs. However Fred Crabtree was an effective advocate for parks and during his tenure, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s land holdings increased significantly. He is the recipient of a posthumous Eakin Philanthropy Award recognizing an individual this year.
Crabtree served with distinction on the Park Authority Board from 1969 to 1992 and made it his mission to acquire parkland. He was the Board Chairman from 1977 through 1978 and during his tenure 1,146 acres of parkland were acquired. Today, the Park Authority has 23,194 acres under its care and stewardship and more than 420 parks. Fox Mill Park in the Hunter Mill District was officially renamed the “Fred Crabtree Park” in 2006.
The Park Foundation also named PNC Foundation and Hilltop Sand & Gravel Company as 2012 Eakin Award organizational recipients. The Galliot Family members of Hilltop Sand & Gravel have been stalwart supporters of parks for many years with significant contributions to Lee District Park and The Family Recreation areas, including funding for Chessie’s BIG Backyard, the PACT summer camp program, local concert series as well as donations to Frying Pan Farm Park. Michael Galliot, President of Hilltop, has not only facilitated funding and donations totaling more than $100,000 but also serves on the fundraising committee for Chessie’s BIG Backyard.
The Park Foundation has been the beneficiary of the PNC Foundation due in large measure to the work of Steve Thormahlen, PNC Wealth Management, Managing Director. Thormalen has served on the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board since May 2003. During his tenure, individual gifts and workplace giving through the PNC United Way campaign exceeded $10,000. Thormahlen secured donations from PNC totaling $50,000 including the signature sponsorship of Arts in the Parks. His financial acumen and leadership qualities have been instrumental in the success of the Park Foundation’s fundraising efforts across the board, impacted many diverse, much-needed projects. The PNC Foundation is a notable 2012 Eakin Award recipient.
The Eakin Philanthropy Award was established in 2009. The award is named for the Eakin family, benefactors of Fairfax County parks for four generations. The Eakins donated the first parkland parcels in 1951 in the Accotink Stream Valley and has provided funding to maintain that park as well as public service over the years by family members.
For more information about the Eakin Awards contact the Park Foundation at 703-324-8581 or visit them online. Or contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at 703-324-8662.
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