July 31, 2018 - The Friends of Nevada Wilderness has received a generous gift of $25,000 from legendary musician Paul Simon, a long-time supporter of conservation and other charitable causes.
In his letter to Friends, Mr. Simon wrote, “As I’m embarking on my Farewell Tour in these cities for what will be the last time, I felt strongly that I’d like to, in a sense, say thank you to the people and communities who have supported me and my music for all these years.” He said he decided to identify organizations doing work on the ground in places he visits on tour to “offer some financial gift that will hopefully have some lasting impact.”
Mr. Simon is currently on his worldwide “Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour”. “In each town and city,” he continued in his letter to Friends, “there are so many organizations doing great work, including the invaluable work you do. Keep it up!” The tour included a May performance by Mr. Simon in Las Vegas.
Friends Executive Director Shaaron Netherton said the donation was unexpected, making it even more meaningful to the organization. “To receive word of such an impactful gift as this nearly overwhelmed me,” Netherton said. “Our staff and volunteers work so hard to raise money for our stewardship and advocacy programs. This news created such a lift for us all. We can’t possibly thank Mr. Simon enough for what he has done for our organization and for the wild public lands we strive every day to protect.”
He said of this farewell tour, “I’ve often wondered what it would feel like to reach the point where I’d consider bringing my performing career to a natural end. Now I know: it feels a little unsettling, a touch exhilarating and something of a relief. I am very grateful for a fulfilling career and, of course, most of all to the audiences who heard something in my music that touched their hearts.”
“He certainly has touched our hearts through his music over the decades and now through his philanthropy,” Netherton said. “I’ll be listening to my library of Paul Simon songs with a whole new appreciation.”
To join Paul Simon in helping Friends of Nevada Wilderness “keep it up,” visit nevadawilderness.org.
Visit paulsimon.com to view the complete schedule of Homeward Bound – The Farewell Tour.
