Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society Receives $10-million Gift; Must Raise $5-million by June, 2008

Pulte Homes of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan has committed to permanently forgive a nearly $10-million note and convey its interest in the historic buildings at Lake Tahoe's George Whittell Thunderbird Lodge National Historic District to the non-profit Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.

“Pulte's generosity effectively removes the Sword of Damocles hanging over the Preservation Society since its inception”, says Tony Addario, President of the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society. “This $10-million gift ensures Thunderbird Lodge will continue to serve the charitable, educational, and scientific missions of the Society for generations to come.”

In a complicated 1999 land deal, Del Webb Corporation traded 145 acres surrounding Thunderbird Lodge to the United States Government for prime development land near Las Vegas. The University of Nevada briefly assumed control of the buildings and the $10-million note payable to Del Webb, forming the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society to preserve and interpret the former Whittell Estate. When the University withdrew in 2002, the fledgling Society was left to pay the debt. Pulte Homes acquired Del Webb in 2001.

In Pulte's letter of commitment to the Preservation Society, Vice President Greg Nelson writes that Pulte has “…concluded the Society is well suited to be entrusted with the Thunderbird Lodge property in light of its strong commitment to the long term care and preservation of the property.” Mr. Nelson adds the “…Society [shall] establish an acceptable, permanent endowment fund for the benefit of the Thunderbird Lodge with a minimum of five million dollars” before June 20, 2008 as a prerequisite to receiving Pulte's gift.

In its campaign to raise the prerequisite $5-million, the Preservation Society seeks fifty contributors to gift $100,000 each to the Preservation Fund. Under terms of the Pulte gift, no money will be paid to Pulte Homes.

The Preservation Society has received 14 firm commitments to-date for contributions of $100,000 or more. Donors at the $100,000 level may optionally join the Castle Club, a fundraising organization that offers its members unparalleled access to Thunderbird Lodge when the historic site isn't being used for its public programs. For a description of the Castle Club experience, click here.

“We are grateful for contributions in any amount”, says Bill Watson, Manager and Curator for the Preservation Society. “Given the large amount we have to raise in such a short time however, the Society is soliciting larger gifts from a few donors committed to saving Whittell's Thunderbird Lodge. Failure to make the deadline could have disastrous consequences for Nevada's only house museum estate National Historic District at Lake Tahoe.”

Thunderbird Lodge has hosted nearly 35,000 visitors since opening to the public in 2002. In cooperation with the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau, Thunderbird Lodge will remain open for public educational tours during its regular season from June through October, 2008. For reservations and more information about public tours, please call 1-800-GO-TAHOE.

Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society was formed to preserve and protect the Thunderbird Lodge as a historic site with National significance; promote public appreciation and education regarding the unique historical, cultural, and architectural significance of the Thunderbird Lodge; and assist and participate in the important region-wide efforts and programs committed to the study and preservation of the fragile Lake Tahoe environment.

For additional information or to make a donation, please contact:

Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society
Bill Watson
Manager and Curator
P.O. Box 6812
Incline Village, Nevada 89450
Telephone: 775.832-8755
Facsimile: 775.201-1454
E-mail: Watson@ThunderbirdLodge.org