Volunteer Commits $1 Million to NWTF Endowment
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF National Board of Directors member Linda Demmer committed to a $1 million gift that will support NWTF’s wild turkey conservation and Hunting Heritage programs for years to come.
Demmer’s remarkable contribution to conservation and the NWTF’s mission-related work will go toward the NWTF Endowment Fund, which ensures the longevity of the NWTF’s mission and financial health.
“My husband, Bill, and I are passionate about hunting and the shooting sports,” Demmer said. “We find great joy spending time with our multi-generational family in the fields and forests of North America. The NWTF exemplifies the conservation values that we cherish. We have been most impressed with the organization, its leadership and staff, and their ability to positively and effectively impact wild turkey habitat and be an effective voice for the hunter within the state and federal governments. We trust that the NWTF will effectively use our testamentary gift to continue their great work for future generations.”
Linda, who chairs the NWTF Development Committee, lives between South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Northern Michigan. She has a life-long passion for wildlife and conservation and is a university-trained fine artist, currently leading the efforts to restore a historic property in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, in addition to managing the property’s wildlife habitat for deer, ducks, turkey, quail and doves.
"We are incredibly honored and appreciative of Linda Demmer’s leadership as a NWTF Board Director and of her very generous gift,” NWTF co-CEO Becky Humphries said. “Linda is an stalwart conservationist and lifelong hunter who is investing in the future of the NWTF and our mission. It has been an honor to work with Linda and her husband, Bill, on a vision for the future.”
Demmer has traveled the world hunting various game species and is a distinguished turkey hunter. She is an active partner with the Lowcountry Ducks Unlimited Chapter and currently serves on the boards of the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Bear Trust International and previously served on the board of directors of The Lowcountry Land Trust in South Carolina and South Carolina Waterfowl Association.
In addition to her conservation passions, she has served on the Eli and Edith Broad Art Museum Board at Michigan State University. She and Bill were instrumental in raising funds for the Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center at Michigan State University. Linda grew up as an avid sport shooter in field archery and continues her passion today for diversity in the shooting sports and the hunting community.
Find out more about planned giving through an estate and other giving options that will leave a legacy for conservation:
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale. Today, the NWTF is investing heavily in wild turkey research to ensure the future of wild turkey populations and is working to secure Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests.