JANUARY 15, 2009 ISSUE
Chaco USA and Mast General Store Donate $4,000 to Hospitality House of Boone
Mast General Store President and Co-Owner John Cooper, pictured on right, presents a check for $4,000 to Hospitality House of Boone Executive Director Lynne Mason. The check includes a $2,000 grant from Chaco USA and a $2,000 match grant from Mast General Store. The funds are earmarked to purchase a new energy-efficient commercial clothing washer for the new Hospitality House shelter. Photo by Sam Calhoun
Last Wednesday, January 7, outdoor footwear manufacturer Chaco USA and Mast General Store joined forces to donate a total of $4,000 to Hospitality House of Boone. Hospitality House provides shelter and services to the homeless, operates the community soup kitchen and administers the local crisis assistance program.
Mast General Store President and Co-Owner John Cooper presented the check to Hospitality House of Boone Executive Director Lynne Mason. The funds represent a $2,000 community grant from Chaco USA and a $2,000 match grant from Mast General Store, and will be used to purchase an energy-efficient, commercial washing machine for Hospitality House’s new location adjacent to the Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone.
Chaco USA developed its community grant program to recognize the importance of investing in local communities. Retailers submit grant applications for projects that they think make a positive impact in the community.
Mast General Store received a $1,000 community grant from Chaco USA last year. Like this year, Mast General Store matched the $1,000 Chaco grant with $1,000 from the company’s coffers and donated the money—a total of $2,000—to Hospitality House of Boone. Hospitality House used last year’s donation to purchase an energy-efficient, commercial refrigerator for the shelter.
“We’re striving to be as energy-efficient as we can in the new [Hospitality House] facility with heating and air conditioning, appliances, water and energy,” said Mason. “We’re striving to meet very high standards.”
Mason said Hospitality House is currently 72 percent to its fundraising goal for the new facility. Mason said the facility that was designed by local architect David Patrick Moses will be completed by January 2010.
“We are waiting on the contract for one more government grant. If that goes well then we will begin construction in the next couple of weeks,” added Mason.
Mast General Store Community Relations Manager Deb Lazenby completed and submitted both last year’s and this year’s Chaco grant applications.
“I think it’s great that Chaco does this,” said Lazenby. “Hospitality House provides such a great service to the community and it’s very important for people to recognize and appreciate their efforts.
“Mast General Store has a long tradition of supporting its communities and is proud that Chaco shares this value,” added Lazenby. “Being a contributing member of the community is very important; each Mast Store works hard to make a difference in the areas of arts, conservation and human services.”
“I think it’s great that Chaco is willing to invest in the local community, and we really appreciate our continued partnership with Mast Store,” said Mason. “This will be a shelter that will be built by the community. We’re well underway now and it’s been a group effort to get where we are.”
To donate to Hospitality House of Boone, call the Hospitality House Development Office at 828-262-3461; send a check to Hospitality House of Boone, PO Box 309, Boone, NC 28607; or click to www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org.
Chaco USA is based in Paonia, Calif., and is an international purveyor of sandals, flip-flops and multi-sport shoes. For more information, click to www.chacousa.com.
For more information, call 828-963-6511.
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