On Giving Tuesday, December 3, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont reached a remarkable milestone, raising over $84,000 from nearly 120 donors across the region. This achievement sets a new Giving Tuesday record for the organization, surpassing last year’s total by $10,000.
“This incredible outpouring of generosity reinforces the power of community,” said Catey McClary, Tremont’s President & CEO. “It’s not just about the dollar amount—it’s about the
shared commitment to ensuring everyone can experience the transformative impact of nature. Every gift, from $5 to $15,000, reflects the belief in our mission. It’s amazing.”
As a nonprofit environmental education center nestled in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tremont has spent over five decades inspiring people to connect with nature through immersive, multi-day programs. This year alone, the organization has welcomed more than 5,000 youth and adults to its campus.
Funds raised during Giving Tuesday will support Tremont’s GO Fund, which provides financial aid for students, tools for facility upkeep, healthy meals for participants, staff development opportunities and much more. The impact of these contributions ensures that Tremont can continue to serve as a hub for education, discovery and connection.
“The whole day was a celebration,” said Development Director Megan Womack, who hosted live streams on Tremont’s social media pages from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “When people come to Tremont, they feel connected both to this place and the people they experience it with. We wanted to give people that feeling of community and connectedness again.”
The day’s success was amplified by $20,000 in matching funds secured from longtime supporters Richard and Joni Maples, which inspired additional large gifts, including $5,000 from Bill and Susan Varner, $10,000 from Karen and Bob Bentz and $15,000 from Brookfield Renewable. These matching opportunities energized donors and created momentum that carried through the day.
“The impact of these gifts goes beyond what happens on Giving Tuesday,” McClary added.
“They remind us of the lasting connections people form here, with nature and with each other. Those connections are what drive our work and inspire us to keep growing.”
To support Tremont’s mission and learn more about their programs, visit gsmit.org/donate.