Eden Valley Enterprises – Emma “Grandma” Gatewood

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Betty Lou Higgins of Eden Valley Enterprises a living theatrical experience-

Eden Valley Enterprises is dedicated to providing unique educational experiences. Our philosophy is that learning and doing are fun and our basic tool is theatre. While we specialize in living history programs, storytelling, and musical trips back in time, we are equally adept at other kinds of programs.

is looking for support for a documentary:

Ohioan Emma “Grandma” Gatewood who was the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail when she was 67 years old in 1955! The storytelling program about Emma premiered to a sold-out house on November 1 and I already have a booking for another one in July. Now we are moving ahead to raise money to create a documentary about Emma to tell her story in more complete detail.

Though many serious hikers know that Emma “Grandma” Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955 at the age of 67, they really don’t know the Rest Of The Story.

Most people don’t know that after she hiked the AT the first time she went back and did it TWO more times. Most people don’t know that she also hiked the Oregon Trail during its Bicentennial Celebration. Most people don’t know that she was instrumental in starting Ohio’s Buckeye Trail. Most people don’t know that she was truly a visionary of the ultralight hiking movement. Most people don’t know that she raised 11 children. Most people don’t know that she survived an abusive relationship. Most people don’t know that by the time she retired Emma had hiked more than 10,000 miles! Most people don’t know Emma Gatewood at all! We hope to correct this problem by telling Grandma’s whole story!

There is a special campaign on Kickstarter to help with this. We have until January 19 to raise $3500 in seed money for the project. No money will be collected unless we meet the $3,500 goal.

You can find complete information about this project at: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2100362239/meet-emma-gatewood-the-appalachian-trails-legendar

Donations can also be made directly to Eden Valley (regardless of whether or not we meet the Kickstarter goal) by visiting our project page at http://www.edenvalleyenterprises.org/progdesc/gatewood/gtwdinf.htm and downloading the form to mail a check or use the “donate button” to make a payment through PayPal.

As a not-for-profit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, all donations to Eden Valley are tax deductible.

http://www.edenvalleyenterprises.org/progdesc/gatewood/GatewoodKickstarter.htm

Bette Lou Higgins
Artistic Director
Eden Valley Enterprises
www.edenvalleyenterprises.org

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