EDGEFIELD, S.C. - Nationwide's "Preserve your Passion" contest recently ended with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) collecting the highest voter percentage and winning the top prize of $45,000.

Recognizing the importance of hunting and fishing to its members and conservation partners, Nationwide created the "Preserve Your Passion" contest to give $75,000 to conservation and help create or preserve outdoor opportunities.

"Nationwide is a proud partner of the NWTF and they continue to support conservation across the country, " said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. "There were many other great organizations involved and we [the NWTF] feel honored to have been selected by the voters. "

The donation benefits the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. More than 6,000 acres of wildlife habitat is lost each day and the NWTF is fighting hard to ensure the future of our wildlife by focusing its efforts on the most critical habitat. The NWTF also is working to preserve this country's hunting heritage by creating hunters and opening access to more hunting grounds.

"Nationwide is proud to partner with organizations like the NWTF whose members are passionate about what they do and what interests them, " said Kurt Ely, vice president of Nationwide Strategic Partnerships. "Our promise, 'Nationwide is on your side' is to protect what matters most to people, and this contest was a unique way for NWTF enthusiasts to align and support conservation efforts for their hunting grounds. "

About Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.
The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

To learn more about the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, visit www.nwtf.org.

Contact Pete Muller at (803) 637-7698.