David Rodgers -- Pilot Mountain State Park

For right around 20 years, David Rodgers has served Pilot Mountain State Park, quietly and faithfully laboring behind the scenes as a Maintenance / Construction Technician, and doing those jobs that most visitors to the park do not even think about -- until they stop getting done. From always arriving to work early to open the gates, to keeping the facilities and grounds in tip-top shape, to cleaning out drainage ditches and chainsawing after ice storms, David has done it all. In 2011, David was awarded the Division of Parks and Recreation Special Achievement Award for outstanding commitment and dedication to Pilot Mountain State Park.

On February 13, 2024, David suffered a stroke at his home. His road to recovery will likely be a long one. The staff at Pilot Mountain State Park has started this GoFundMe to assist David's family with medical bills while he is incapacitated. Our goal is $4,890 -- the annual out-of-pocket maximum for his health insurance.

At a time like this, the family should be focused on his care, and not worried about paying these bills. David has given so much of his life to preserving and protecting something we all love. It's time for us to return the favor.