Dear Friends,

The holiday season is one for reflection, celebration and joy.  What a perfect time to send a heart-felt thank you to our board and advisory members, supporting businesses, sponsors, and all of our volunteers and staff who gave of themselves to make 2005 a year to be celebrated. As the year-end approaches, so does the anticipated ground breaking on the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Preparations for an early 2006 groundbreaking are underway. The closer we get to this momentous occasion the more excited we become! Please join in our efforts and enthusiasm. Our campaign would still benefit greatly from your support.

A special section to this newsletter includes articles from three dedicated environmental professionals that provide valuable assistance to this campaign, Dr. Terry Norton of St. Catherines Island and Consulting Veterinarian for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC), Mark Dodd, biologist and Sea Turtle Project Coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Catherine Arning, Education Coordinator for the GSTC. I know you will enjoy hearing from each of them in their respective area of expertise. Click here for ‘Turtle Talk.’

Throughout the year, Jekyll Island Foundation board and advisory members have proven their commitment to helping the threatened and endangered turtles time and time again, giving of their time and resources. Personal friends and business associates were invited to private receptions in Savannah, Atlanta, Sea Island, and Cartersville to learn about the GSTC and over $100,000 was raised at the 4th Annual Jekyll Island Foundation Family Weekend. Even Jim Fowler, world-renowned naturalist and television personality, joined in the effort! 

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is so close to becoming a reality! We ask that you help us end this monumental year on a exceptionally high note so that we can proceed with groundbreaking in early 2006. To that end, the Jekyll Island Foundation is pleased to announce many Holiday shopping opportunities that will pave the way for a happy holiday for both you and the sea turtles. The highlight of these efforts is an exciting online Christmas auction December 13-21. Imagine being able to give loved ones a unique vacation, a wildlife adventure or original artwork – AND help save the sea turtles!  Also, when you shop at Benevolink, an online retailer and register the Jekyll Island Foundation as your preferred charity, or purchase a Jekyll Island Cookbook or Christian recording artist Darlene McCoy’s latest CD, a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Georgia Sea Turtle Center.  For a unique, personalized gift, we offer Legacy Bricks that will be permanently installed at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center's "Walkway To Wonder" This is a great way to recognize special people or events in your life or as a lasting memory to someone you love. Please be sure to spread the word to your family and friends.

As we head into 2006, we do so with great anticipation of seeing our efforts come to fruition. The groundbreaking for The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is scheduled to take place in early 2006, our 5th Annual Family Weekend will be held on September 29 – October 1, 2006 on Jekyll Island, and we will have a special exhibit at the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta on February 8-12, 2006. I look forward to seeing all of you here on the island throughout the year. In closing, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday and New Year!

Cindy McDonald Director Jekyll Island Foundation

P.S. – We have received donations from all but three of the 50 United States – Hawaii, North Dakota and South Dakota. If you know of anyone who lives in these states, or would like to make a donation on behalf of anyone residing there, please let me know! We’d love to have all 50 states represented.

P.S.S. - Read the latest news about the Jekyll Island Foundation here.

Gifts That Give To The Georgia Sea Turtle Center 
The Jekyll Island Foundation has teamed up with various partners to create income for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center from holiday gift purchases. 

 “Jekyll Island’s Favorite Recipes” An award winning cookbook with an original watercolor painting of Jekyll Island on the cover and pages that feature adorable sea turtle hatchlings.

Benevolink www.benevolink.com
Shop 200+ brand name retailers and generate charitable giving to the causes of your choice

Christian Recording Artist Darlene McCoy CD
Evangelical lyricist Darlene McCoy opened the month-long celebration of Jekyll’s Holiday Island with an inspiring performance. Her CD’s may be purchased at Jekyll Island Welcome Center and online with a portion of the proceeds going to the Jekyll Island Foundation.