SMITHFIELD, Va., Nov. 03, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Windsor Castle Park Foundation (WCPF) announced today that the Town of Smithfield has committed $2 million to begin the renovation process of the manor house and its existing outbuildings at Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield, Va., and Smithfield Foods has agreed to give $1 million to the project. This gift is in addition to the $300 thousand gift that Smithfield Foods has already given for other architectural fees associated with the renovation.
This project will be completed in several phases. Phase 1, to which this $3 million will be directed, includes renovation of the mid-18th century Manor House and existing outbuildings. The Manor House will be used to host meetings and private events. The Foundation is also beginning a $4 million fundraising effort to complete additional phases of this project.
Sue Ivy, President of the Windsor Castle Park Foundation, said, “We are so grateful to both Smithfield Foods and the Town of Smithfield for their generosity. We believe Windsor Castle Park and its manor house are truly treasures in our community, and gifts like these to preserve its history help us ensure that the park is valuable for generations to come. To complete additional phases of the project, we invite all residents to join us as the Foundation embarks on a $4 million fundraising campaign.”
Larry Pope, CEO of Smithfield Foods, added, “Being involved in the communities where our employees live and work has long been important to Smithfield, and this donation exemplifies our commitment to the town of Smithfield, Virginia, where we are headquartered and have our roots. We are delighted to support the renovation of Windsor Castle Manor House, the home of Arthur Smith IV, for whom our beautiful town was named.”
Smithfield Mayor, Carter Williams, said, “The Town of Smithfield takes very seriously our commitment to ensure the preservation of the Windsor Castle Manor House, its historic outbuildings and the surrounding park. With this gift from Smithfield Foods, we are now able to ensure that our town’s story will be told to generations to come.”
About the Windsor Castle Park Foundation The purpose of the WCPF is to raise and maintain funds that will be used to promote and benefit Windsor Castle Park. Established in 2013 and approved as a 501(c)(3) organization in August of 2014, the Foundation kicked off a campaign November 1, 2014 to raise $1,000,000 for the park. $500,000 is for the capital project fund to build a naturally integrated playground, restrooms and additional paved parking. $500,000 will be dedicated to a fund for the preservation of buildings and grounds within the historic easement.
About Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, John Morrell®, Gwaltney®, Nathan's Famous®, Kretschmar®, Margherita®, Curly's®, Carando® and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com .
Windsor Castle Park Foundation Contact: Sue Ivy 757-249-7627 Sue.ivy@townebank.net Smithfield Foods, Inc. Contact: Kathleen Kirkham (757) 365-1965 kkirkham@smithfield.com Town of Smithfield Contact: Milton Cook 757-357-4121 MCook@smithfieldva.gov
