[Columbia, SC] - Since Riverbanks Society, the Zoo and Garden's private, nonprofit support organization, completed its Zoo2002 Capital Campaign three years ago, the Society's phones have rung off the hook with requests for the much sought after brick paving stones that grace the Zoo's front entrance.

"We could never have anticipated the success of the original brick campaign. Riverbanks is such an important part of the Columbia community and everyone wanted their name or the name of a loved one etched into the institution's permanent history," said Satch Krantz, executive director for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "When we'd sold all the bricks, people couldn't believe that they'd missed their opportunity to be a part of our Palmetto Plaza."

In an unexpected turn of events, the recent revamping of the Community Partner mosaics in the main plaza has meant redesigning a segment of the original 13 foot-wide, 515 foot-long path that stretches from the Zoo's front entrance past the Aquarium Reptile Complex to Kenya Cafe. This means that a small piece of the path has been temporarily reopened, allowing for the additional sale of just 500 bricks.

"We get calls from parents and grandparents who honored members of their family back in 2002 and since then have expanded their families with new additions. They hate the idea of one child or grandchild being left off the path. This is their chance to grab that brick that they thought was long gone," Krantz said.

The 500 spots will go on a first come, first serve basis to people who call and reserve one of the 4" x 8" bricks for a $100 contribution. Each brick will be inscribed with up to three lines of text per brick at 18 characters per line. The time frame for completion of the project cannot be guaranteed, as the 500 bricks will be ordered and installed all at once.

Riverbanks Society's Zoo2002 campaign raised $1 million for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden through the creation of the original snake-shaped path at the front entrance. The campaign brought popular attractions like Ndoki Forest, the Bird House and Koala Knockabout to Riverbanks. In the early 90s, 6,000 bricks were sold in Riverbanks Botanical Garden's rose garden and on the Saluda River foot bridge, raising $300,000 for the Botanical Garden.

People who'd like to contribute to Riverbanks Society by honoring a friend or family member with a brick paver should call 803.779.8717, ext. 1111 starting November 4 or visit www.riverbanks.org.

Riverbanks Society is the private, nonprofit organization that supports Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Society members and donors contribute important resources that assist with research, education and conservation efforts of the Zoo and Garden, in addition to serving as ambassadors for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in their communities.

Act Now! -- Reserve Yours Today!
Please complete the secure online Tribute Brick Campaign Order Form.