MATTITUCK, NY– Two local philanthropists have given a unique and generous donation to the North Fork Environmental Council (NFEC) – twenty (20) equity shares in Island’s End Golf Course in Greenport, New York. The shares, which have an estimated value of $20,000, represent the required amount for a family membership at the Club.

The donors, who choose to remain anonymous, have given the shares with a caveat – that NFEC raffle them off in a GO FOR THE GREEN RAFFLE, and that the proceeds be used to fund NFEC’S future fundraising activities. Thus a gift that will keep giving.

Raffle tickets, which are $75.00 each, will go on sale starting September 1, 2005. The drawing will take place at NFEC’s 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off which will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2005 at Martha Clara Vineyard in Riverhead, New York.

NFEC advances and advocates the cause of environmental preservation and education on the North Fork, but workdays in non profit organizations like NFEC are long, with financial rewards not always matching efforts or responsibilities.

Many grassroots non profits like NFEC face a continual crisis of resources. The two donors hope to engage and empower NFEC’S Board to work together to build their capacity to raise more money and diversify their revenue sources by providing them with, in effect, a fund to fund fundraising. Monies raised from the raffle will be earmarked for this purpose.

“Had we given the shares with no strings attached, NFEC might have been $20,000 richer, but the money would have been spent on everyday operating expenses. By giving the gift in the way we have, we can help build a solid future for this important local organization. If we don’t help NFEC Save What’s Left, then we have all lost,” said one of the donors.

The first 200 ticket buyers will receive a coupon for a free greens fee at Island’s End, and there are exciting prizes for lucky runner ups, including, but not limited to, a twosome at National Golf Links of America in Southampton, a private 1904 classic named 9th of the 100 greatest courses in America by Golf Digest, and foursomes at Cedars, Long Island National, and Calverton Links Golf Clubs, to name a few.

To find out more about NFEC’S GO FOR THE GREEN RAFFLE, please call 631-298-8880, or mail your tax deductible ticket order to NFEC, Box 799, Mattituck, New York 11952.