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A DesPlaines ball distributor is helping native Illinois species by donating a portion of its sales to the Wildlife Preservation Fund.

In a five-year agreement with the Department of Conservation, Oliver Sporting Goods Inc. will design and market sports balls depicting Illinois endangered species, the state's symbols and other conservation-related themes. All balls marketed under terms of the agreement will bear the names of Oliver Sporting Goods and the Wildlife Preservation Fund, with the company making a donation to the fund for each ball sold.

"Through this venture, Oliver Sporting Goods will be helping the Wildlife Preservation Fund in its work to benefit the state's plants, animals and habitats," Conservation Director Brent Manning said. "Furthermore, children using the balls will be reminded of the importance of caring for the natural world around them."

Oliver Sporting Goods Executive Vice President George R. Ekiove said the company's sports balls, which include playground balls, soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs and basketballs, will be marketed to zoo and museum shops, theme parks, stores and schools statewide.

"Oliver Sporting Goods is constantly developing new sports balls that, in addition to serving recreational needs, are educational aids," Ekiove said. "By working with the Department of Conservation, we will be able to present accurate information in an interesting way while providing financial support to a commendable cause. This cooperative enterprise is testimony to the continuing commitment of the State of Illinois to foster closer ties between private business and government."

The first conservation education ball scheduled for production is a playground ball depicting a cardinal, white-tailed deer, monarch butterfly, white oak tree and other state symbols. Scheduled to be produced later are playground balls depicting Illinois endangered species.

In its agreement with DOC, Olive Sporting Goods will donate 10 cents to the Wildlife Preservation Fund for each playground ball it sells with a conservation education theme. Donations for other balls bearing the Wildlife Preservation Fund name will vary from eight cents to 25 cents per ball, depending on the type and size of ball produced and sold.

Oliver Sporting Goods will underwrite production expenses. The Department of Conservation will assist in marketing the balls by making schools, outdoor organizations and other not-for-profit groups aware of their availability through Department publications and existing marketing programs.

Supported by tax-deductible donations, the Wildlife Preservation Fund is used to finance and habitat restoration, management and research affecting native Illinois plants and animals, including the more than 500 species on the state's endangered and threatened species list. More than $2 million in donations received over the last 10 years through state income tax form check-offs and direct contributions have helped fund nearly 400 projects benefiting the state's natural areas, wildlife and plants.

Source: Conservation Update Spring 1994. Illinois Department of Conservation. *

52 * Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1994