The Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc. (“SDF”) is a non-profit, tax exempt organization.
The SDF’s purpose is (1) to operate exclusively as a charitable non-profit; (2) to engage in activities related to and supportive of Saluda’s downtown area that serve the function of education, cultural development and exchange, historic preservation, development and support of the arts, conservation, beautification, lessening the burdens of government and combating community deterioration on behalf of the citizenry of Saluda and its environs; (3) to disseminate information and promote interest in the preservation, history, culture, architecture and public use of Saluda’s downtown area; and (4) to develop and promote constructive relationships between local government and private business and citizens.
Some of the accomplishments of the SDF during the past five years include:
- Developed, promoted and received contributions for the Ella Grace Mintz Stage in Top of the Grade Park in downtown Saluda.
- Founded and organized the Top of the Grade Concert series for the community held at Top of the Grade Park, Saluda. This concert series has continued each year since 2014 and provides an event for residents to gather and visit with one another.
- Designed Pace Park in Saluda and helped raise funds for landscaping. This small courtyard in Saluda offers another place for residents to sit and visit.
- Sponsored the Sister City program with Carunchio, Italy. The Sister City program has provided a cultural exchange experience for Saluda residents.
- Created signage and maps at the entrance and in downtown Saluda of landmarks and businesses.
- Created a grant program, Friends of Saluda, to assist Saluda businesses with improving their facades with planters and awnings.
- Sponsored and organized Saluda’s first Volunteer Fair September 2019 with more than 20 organizations filling more than 120 volunteer positions.
- Fall 2019, the Saluda Arts Festival and the Saluda Community Chorus moved under the Saluda Downtown Foundation to better coordinate events, fundraising and volunteer resources.
- In Fall 2019, SDF organized meetings to investigate benefits of a Visitor Center with public restrooms in downtown Saluda. Coordinated meetings between SDF, the Saluda Business Association, the Saluda Tourism Authority and the community.
The SDF’s board consists of seven members from the Saluda community and the mayor of Saluda serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member.
For more information, contact Lynn Casey, SDF coordinator, at caseysaluda@gmail.com or 828-772-1504.
Lynn Casey, SDF Volunteer Coordinator
Saluda Downtown Foundation
6 E Main Street
Saluda, NC 28773
828-772-1504