Marvin Pastel – Recognizing Philanthropy: Raising the Rails on PATH400
Livable Buckhead has set in motion a fundraiser making our PATH400 even more secure and robust. PATH400 is a valuable gem connecting people in a sustainable innovative way. Raising the Rails campaign is an opportunity for residents and businesses to contribute to providing maximum safety for anyone using the raised trail over Mountain Way Common. Livable Buckhead is invested in community well-being, contributing $50,000, half of the amount needed once the other half has been donated. The Raising the Rails Series will be recognizing and celebrating philanthropic minded individuals committed to the betterment and safety of our neighborhoods.
Greenspaces and natural oases can improve our mental and physical health, helping to provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, and help clean the air and water. Trails promote safe and livable communities. The recreation, health, transportation, and environmental benefits collectively can contribute to an overall enhanced quality of life in communities. Another variable to consider is the impact of trails and greenways on safety.
In 2013, Marvin Pastel led a seminar on green insurance and building. It is at this seminar he met the executive director of Livable Buckhead, Denise Starling. Since then, Pastel has been collaborating with Starling and Livable Buckhead on Mountain Way Common (MWC). Residing within minutes of MWC, he has been looking forward to PATH400 connecting to his neighborhood. Strategies to increase physical activity on urban pathways prioritize the safety of infrastructure. Trails make it easy for people to incorporate exercise into their daily routines by connecting them with places they want or need to go. After attending the walking tour of the construction on the overpass, he recognized the safety importance at the exceedingly high bridge area. He wanted to meet code requirements and exceed them.
An advocate for positive impact, Pastel’s philanthropic nature strives to promote the overall welfare of society by giving gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Committed to a more resilient future, he focuses his support on three levels: world, national, and local. The organizations are Citizens Climate Change, National Organization of Women, and Livable Buckhead. When asked why his local choice was Livable Buckhead, he stated, “Livable Buckhead is the local community organization that makes the biggest difference in the quality of our lives and our interconnected neighborhoods. In fact, it’s Livable Buckhead that has connected our neighborhoods”.
Miles walked or biked replace car trips, making an incremental contribution to reducing emissions associated with the urban heat island effect. Creating sustainable community spaces requires persistence and progressive visualization. Pastel’s support of community betterment is a shining example of altruism. The Raising the Rails campaign aligns with Pastel’s humanitarian ideologies. Exceeding the Federal standard of 3.5 ft to 4.5 ft mesh railing assures the protection of our community.
“Besides the inner grace I feel, I like knowing that to some small extent, I am leaving the world in a better place than when I entered it.” ~ Marvin Pastel
We recognize your philanthropic support and celebrate your dedication to improving our community. Thank you, Marvin Pastel, for all you are doing.
Follow our Raising the Rails Series recognizing and celebrating philanthropic minded individuals committed to the betterment and safety of our neighborhoods. If you want to invest in Raising the Rails, click here.
