The Trust for the National Mall, the private nonprofit led by developer Chip Akridge to raise money
for Mall restoration, raked in more than $600,000 at its inaugural luncheon.
The trust is the only authorized funding partner of the National Park Service for the Mall. The park
service is considering several scenarios to improve the Mall's appearance and function; a final plan
is due later this year. More than 23,000 people have submitted comments on the Mall.
The plan will form the blueprint for the trust's fundraising efforts. Akridge, chairman of D.C.-based
developer Akridge, said he hopes to name a national figure to lead the campaign. The inaugural
luncheon was May 8.
"The Trust has a long-term goal to raise $500 million to return the National Mall to world-class
status befitting our nation's capital," said Akridge, who founded the trust after a friend pointed
out the Mall's poor condition to him. "Support for today's luncheon has helped us take the first
step in reaching this goal to repair and restore this sacred space that has been loved to death."
One of the trust's first goals is to raise $1.1 million in private funds to match the $1.1 million
in Centennial Challenge funds to improve directional and educational signs on the Mall. The Centennial
Challenge funds are part of an overall 10-year, $100 million federal funding package pledged in honor
of the park service's 100-year anniversary in 2016.
